Overview
The Lennox LZP-2 Zone Control System is designed to enhance home comfort by addressing the issue of uneven heating and cooling across different areas of a home. Unlike conventional systems, the LZP-2 intelligently directs conditioned air only to the zones that require it, based on their specific thermostat settings. This ensures a more consistent and comfortable environment throughout the entire home.
The system comprises several key components: thermostats, a central Control Panel, air control dampers installed within the ductwork, and the existing heating and cooling equipment. The Control Panel is typically mounted on an interior wall, often near the main HVAC unit. The air dampers are strategically placed in the air ducts to allow for independent control of each zone. Thermostats are installed in each zone and are directly wired to the Control Panel.
The system illustration depicts a typical setup for a two-zone control system. It shows two thermostats, one set to 70°F (21°C) for Zone 1 and another set to 65°F (18°C) for Zone 2. These thermostats are connected to the main control unit, which in turn manages air dampers within the ductwork to direct airflow.
Basic Operation
The Zone Control System enhances comfort by directing conditioned air to specific zones based on their individual thermostat settings. To operate, simply set or program each zone's thermostat to its desired comfort level. When a heating or cooling demand is registered by any zone's thermostat, the appropriate heating or cooling equipment will activate. Dampers in zones not calling for conditioning will close, ensuring that conditioned air is delivered efficiently to the zone(s) that require it until their setpoint is met.
It's important to note that the system directs conditioned air only to the rooms served by the zone's thermostat. In homes with open floor plans, maintaining significant temperature differences between zones might be challenging due to air exchange. Closing interior doors can help reduce this exchange and improve temperature consistency between zones.
Heating Operation
To initiate heating:
- Set your thermostat to the Heat mode. This is typically done by moving a physical switch or selecting the Heat mode digitally on the thermostat. Consult your specific thermostat's Owner's Manual for detailed instructions.
- Adjust the thermostat's setpoint to a temperature higher than the current room temperature. This action will trigger a "Heat call." Refer to your thermostat's Owner's Manual for proper procedure.
Once a Heat call is correctly initiated, the Lennox LZP-2 Zone Control Panel will activate your heating equipment. If the equipment does not start immediately, it may be due to a built-in minimum-off time delay. This feature ensures that the furnace does not cycle too frequently, which can prolong its lifespan. A four-minute interval must pass after the last furnace cycle before it can restart.
Cooling Operation
To initiate cooling:
- Set your thermostat to the Cool mode. This is achieved by moving a switch or selecting Cool mode digitally. Consult your thermostat's Owner's Manual for specific instructions.
- Adjust the thermostat's setpoint to a temperature lower than the current room temperature. This action will trigger a "Cool call." Consult your thermostat's Owner's Manual for details on how to perform this correctly.
Upon a correctly initiated Cooling call, the Lennox LZP-2 Zone Control Panel will start your cooling equipment. If the air conditioning does not start immediately, it might be due to the minimum-off time delay. A four-minute period must elapse after the last air conditioner cycle before it can resume operation. This built-in safety feature prevents the air conditioner from cycling too often, thereby extending its operational life.
Damper Operation
When the Lennox Zone Control Panel receives a call and activates the heating or cooling equipment, it automatically closes the dampers in the non-calling zones and opens the dampers in the calling zones. Once all calls are satisfied, the Control Panel initiates a purge cycle. During this cycle, dampers maintain their last position. After the purge cycle completes, all dampers open.
Fan Operation
The Model LZP-2 Lennox Control Panel allows for fan operation control from any zone. Dampers in zones not requesting fan operation will close. For continuous fan operation across all zones, the fan must be activated at the thermostat in each zone.
Turning the System Off (All Models)
To completely shut off the system and prevent the Lennox LPZ-2 Zone Control Panel from activating your equipment, set ALL thermostats to the OFF mode. The method for doing this varies by thermostat model, involving either a slide switch or a digital push button. Refer to your specific thermostat's Owner's Manual for instructions.
For extended absences, such as vacations, it is recommended to set thermostats to Heat mode and adjust the setpoint to a level that will prevent freezing in all areas of the home. It is not advisable to turn off all thermostats completely in climates prone to freezing temperatures.
Thermostat Replacement
Not all thermostats are compatible with all systems. If a thermostat replacement is necessary, contact the Lennox dealer who installed your system. Certain thermostats, known as "power robbing" thermostats, can cause unintended system operation and should be avoided. These thermostats can be identified by the absence of a wire connection terminal labeled 'C' (common). Only thermostats equipped with a 'C' terminal are suitable for installation.
Maintenance
Once your Lennox Zone Control System is correctly installed, the control panel components themselves require no specific maintenance. However, standard maintenance procedures for your heating and cooling equipment should still be followed.
