If you’re on the road to an empty nest, you’ve got plenty on your mind. You have more free time in your future you’ll find ways to spend. You’re probably 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 ponder: 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 bills will decrease. After all, there are fewer people consuming 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 can’t be more efficient with the energy you do use. With some open areas, you’re paying to heat and cool areas you’re not even using. Shutting the doors and vents in those rooms won’t solve that—in fact, you’ll likely use more energy and put a strain on your HVAC going that route. Zoning might be just the ticket for you.
What is Zoning?
A zoned heating and cooling system controls the air in your HVAC to target 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 especially helpful. Rather than battle with just one part of the home that is too hot or cold, zoning allows a custom temperature to be set in the area.
Zoning systems are also helpful 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 manage them individually. When the kids are at their own place, you can set the temperature in their room 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 money 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 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 noticeably between different floors or spaces in the home.
- Large windows are a part of commonly used rooms.
- High ceilings make it difficult to regulate temperatures.
Will Zoning Work with My Existing HVAC?
Generally, zoning works best for homes that have a multi-stage variable capacity HVAC system. This ensures it can operate at peak efficiency—so you can save energy and expenses. However, there are solutions 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 spaces.
Every home’s heating and cooling set up is distinctive. The professionals at Clean Air HVAC can help you determine whether zoning makes sense for you.
An empty nest is a big change—so it’s a great time to reexamine your heating and cooling system to see if it’s meeting your needs. At Clean Air HVAC, our goal is to confirm that 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, contact us at 925-233-6238 or schedule an appointment with us online.