zoning with heat pump

[MsJoy]

Will be replacing a 3 ton HP with a 14 SEER unit and variable speed air handler. York/Luxaire or AmStd depending on the final choice of contractor.

the family expert thinks we should retrofit to a 2 or 3 zone plan with Honeywell dampers and wireless thermostat. house is 2 floors, 1700sf.

will it add enough to the comfort/efficiency to be worth the cost?
are there any hidden prtoblems?

[RyanHughes]

If you did that I would try to swing for a two stage heat pump/air conditioner if budget allows. Then you would not have to use the full capacity when just one zone is calling. Carrier's 25HNA6/24ANA7 (I'm not sure if you're getting a heat pump or air conditioner) sounds like a great choice for a situation like this since it has 50%/100% capacity split and a sophisticated zoning system.

[beenthere]

Its worth it for the comfort. You may see some savings depending on amount of set back, and duration.

You chould check with the contractors that have seen your duct system, how feasable zoning is. Weather you have to use a bypass, or dump zone.
Small zones require bypass, or dump zones to keep enough air moving across the coil.

Check with your contractors.