If you’re on the road to an empty nest, you’ve got quite a bit on your mind. You have more free time in your future you’ll need to fill. You’re possibly a little worried about the kids being out on their own for the first time. One thing you might want to add to that list of things to think about: A newly emptied nest changes the way you can use energy efficiently.
Once the kids are all packed up and out the door, one of the first things you’ll see is some of your utility costs will decrease. After all, there are fewer people using the resources in your home—from water and food to electricity.
But even though you’re using a reduced amount of energy, that doesn’t mean you can’t be more efficient with the energy you do utilize. With some open areas, you’re racking up expenses to heat and cool rooms you’re not even using. Shutting the doors and vents in those rooms won’t fix that—in fact, you’ll likely use more energy and put a strain on your HVAC going that route. Zoning is a possible solution.
What is Zoning?
A zoned heating and cooling system regulates the air in your HVAC to narrow in on specific areas—or zones—in your home. They use dampers to divert the air where it’s needed. In homes where temperature control is a struggle, zoning systems can be particularly helpful. Rather than fight with just one part of the home that is too hot or cold, zoning offers a custom temperature to be set in the area.
Zoning systems are also nice for empty nesters who want to save energy and money each month. With a zoning system, you can make different zones in your home and control them individually. When the kids are at their own place, you can set the temperature in their space to use less energy. When they come back to visit, you make a small tweak and it’s like they never left.
Perhaps the best benefit, you can save energy and costs using a zoning system. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you could experience a savings of up to 35 percent when you use zoning with a programmable thermostat.
When Should I Ponder Zoning?
Zoning systems are a perfect fit for empty nesters who want to save energy while keeping their space just as comfortable as before. They’re also a smart choice for homes where:
- Temperature differs radically between different floors or spaces in the home.
- Large windows are a part of frequently used rooms.
- High ceilings make it hard to maintain temperatures.
Will Zoning Work with My Existing HVAC?
Generally, zoning works best for houses that have a multi-stage variable capacity HVAC system. This ensures it can run at peak efficiency—so you can save energy and costs. However, there are options for single-stage equipment that also let you realize the benefits of zoning.
And for situations that need an even more flexible solution, there are mini split systems that can act as a separate HVAC for difficult to regulate areas.
Every home’s heating and cooling set up is special. The professionals at Air Temperature Control can help you decide whether zoning makes sense for you.
An empty nest is a big change—so it’s an ideal time to reexamine your heating and cooling system to see if it’s meeting your needs. At Air Temperature Control, our goal is to ensure you’re comfortable and your system is running as efficiently as possible. If you want to hear more on how a zoned system could help, call our experts at 478-202-3170 or book an appointment with us online.