If you’re on your way to an empty nest, you’ve got quite a bit on your mind. You have more free time in your future you’ll find ways to spend. You’re likely a little worried about the kids being out on their own for the first time. One item 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 your kids are all packed up and gone, one of the first things you’ll observe is some of your energy costs will decrease. After all, there are less people using the resources in your home—from water and food to electricity.
But even though you’re using lower amounts of energy, that doesn’t mean you couldn’t be more efficient with the energy you do consume. With some open rooms, you’re paying to heat and cool areas you’re not even using. Shutting the doors and vents in those rooms won’t fix that—in fact, you’ll possibly use more energy and put a strain on your HVAC choosing that option. Zoning might be just the ticket for you.
What is Zoning?
A zoned heating and cooling system manages the air in your HVAC to narrow in on specific regions—or zones—in your home. They use dampers to push the air where it’s needed. In homes where temperature control is a struggle, zoning systems can be particularly helpful. Rather than deal with just one part of the home that is too hot or cold, zoning permits a custom temperature to be set in the area.
Zoning systems are also helpful for empty nesters who want to save energy and expenses each month. With a zoning system, you can make different zones in your home and manage them individually. When the kids are away, you can set the temperature in their space to use less energy. When they come back to visit, you make a small change and it’s like they never left.
Perhaps the best benefit, you can save energy and expenses using a zoning system. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you could notice a savings of up to 35 percent when you use zoning with a programmable thermostat.
When Should I Think About Zoning?
Zoning systems are a great 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 dramatically between different floors or areas of the home.
- Large windows are a part of regularly used rooms.
- High ceilings make it hard to regulate temperatures.
Will Zoning Work with My Existing HVAC?
Usually, zoning works best for houses that have a multi-stage variable capacity HVAC system. This ensures it can function at peak efficiency—so you can save energy and costs. However, there are options for single-stage equipment that also let you reap the benefits of zoning.
And for circumstances 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 different. The experts at Air Service Co. can help you decide whether zoning makes sense for you.
An empty nest is a big change—so it’s a great time to reevaluate your heating and cooling system to see if it’s meeting your needs. At Air Service Co., our goal is to ensure you’re comfortable and your system is working as efficiently as possible. If you want to hear more on how a zoned system could help, give us a call at 918-212-8943 or arrange an appointment with us online.