The latest firmware for the TekOnline 8-Zone HVAC Controller adds a spill zone. This article explains what that means in plain words.
What a zone is
Your ducted air conditioner splits the house into rooms or groups of rooms. Each group is a zone. A small flap inside the duct lets air into that zone. The flap is called a damper.
When a zone is on, the flap opens. When the zone is off, the flap closes.
The problem this update solves
The fan in your air conditioner pushes a fixed amount of air. If most flaps are shut, that air has nowhere to go. The pressure builds up inside the ducts.
Think of a garden hose with the nozzle closed. The pump works harder and the water has no exit.
What the spill zone does
A spill zone is one room you agree to use as a release point. You choose it once.
When every other zone is shut, the controller opens that one flap part way. The air gets a path. When another zone asks for air again, the spill zone goes back to where it was.
You do not have to watch it. The controller checks about twice a second.
The three settings
- Spill Zone picks the room. Choose None to turn the feature off.
- Spill Target Open sets how far the flap opens. The default is 100%, or fully open.
- Spill Threshold sets when the relief starts. The default of 0% means it starts only when every other zone is closed. Set 20% to start earlier.
Spill Active is a light on the dashboard. It tells you when relief is running. You do not set it.
Do I have to use it?
No. Leave Spill Zone on None and nothing changes.
Most homes do not need relief. It helps when your system is large compared with the number of rooms you use at night. It also helps when you close most zones for long periods.
How to get the update
The firmware is installed on new boards before dispatch. If you already own a board, update it the usual way:
- Use the update button on the controller’s web page.
- Or install through ESPHome in Home Assistant.
Your saved settings stay. The controller restarts and reconnects.
What to expect after a restart
The controller cannot know where a flap stopped while the power was off. So the position reads Unknown at first. Send a target to a zone and the controller runs one full stroke to set its reference. After that the reading works again.
The same rule applies to the spill zone.
One thing to know
While relief is running, the controller sets the spill zone target. If you move that zone by hand, the controller puts it back. Set Spill Zone to None first if you want manual control.
Questions
Does it need the internet?
No. The controller runs on your home network. There is no subscription.
Will it work with my dampers?
It works with standard three-wire 24VAC dampers. Check the wiring guide before you connect anything.
Does it open the flap fully?
It depends on the setting. The default is 100%. You can set 20% or 50% if full open lets too much air out.
Is this the same as a bypass damper?
A bypass damper sends extra air back to the return duct. A spill zone sends it into a room. Both relieve pressure. The spill zone needs no extra duct work.
Where to read next
- 8-Zone HVAC Controller V3 – price, stock and specifications.
- V3 Pro Wi-Fi and Home Assistant setup – step by step.
- What is new in the V3 controller – features and versions.