Disable zone control?

[mikelandwehr]

Our home was built about 1999, and has a two-zone control system with an EWC-ST-2D control panel. We are the second owners of the home, so we did not install the control system. When I first tried using the system, I found that any attempt to heat the lower level (zone 1) resulted in over-heating the main floor (zone 2), probably because of an open staircase between levels. So, I've been running both the furnace and a/c with the zone 1 thermostat turned off, assuming that the zone 2 thermostat would keep zone 2 at the desired temperature (and it does).

My wife is a very light sleeper, and occasionally hears noises during the night that we have not been able to identify. They are not loud, but she is able to hear them, nevertheless. We suspect that she may be hearing the sound of a zone damper operating a baffle in an air duct. So, my questions. First, with our system operating the way it is currently set up (zone 1 thermostat turned off), would the zone control system operate any of the damper/baffles as the furnace turns on and off to satisfy the thermostat in zone 2? And, is there any way to completely disable the zone control system, so that all ducts are left open, and the zone dampers do not operate?

Thanks for your attention.

[Pcyrana]

Yes anytime there is a call on zone 2, the zone 1 thermostat will close and then re-open at the end of that call.
The system can be disabled by removing power from the M1 terminal on the zone motor terminal blocks when the motors are in the open position or when the system is idle.