If you’re on the path to an empty nest, you’ve got a lot 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 thing you might want to add to that list of things to think about: A recently emptied nest changes the way you can use energy efficiently.
Once the children are all packed up and gone, one of the first things you’ll see is some of your bills 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 shouldn’t be more efficient with the energy you do utilize. With some open areas, you’re spending money to heat and cool areas you’re not even using. Shutting the doors and vents in those rooms won’t resolve that—in fact, you’ll probably use more energy and put a strain on your HVAC that way. Zoning can help.
What is Zoning?
A zoned heating and cooling system controls the air in your HVAC to narrow in on specific areas—or zones—in your home. They use dampers to focus the air where it’s needed. In homes where temperature control is difficult, zoning systems can be particularly helpful. Rather than fight 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 useful for empty nesters who want to save energy and expenses each month. With a zoning system, you can create different zones in your home and control 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 tweak and it’s like they never left.
Most importantly, you can save energy and money using a zoning system. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you could see a savings of up to 35 percent when you use zoning with a programmable thermostat.
When Should I Think About Zoning?
Zoning systems are an ideal fit for empty nesters who want to save energy while maintaining comfort levels. They’re also a great choice for homes where:
- Temperature differs dramatically between different floors or rooms in the home.
- Large windows are a part of commonly used rooms.
- High ceilings make it difficult to control temperatures.
Will Zoning Work with My Existing HVAC?
Typically, zoning works best for residences that have a multi-stage variable capacity HVAC system. This ensures it can run at peak efficiency—so you can save energy and money. However, there are options for single-stage equipment that also let you reap 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 rooms.
Every home’s heating and cooling set up is different. The team at Cool Air Solutions can help you decide whether zoning makes sense for you.
An empty nest is a big change—so it’s a perfect time to reevaluate your heating and cooling system to see if it’s meeting your needs. At Cool Air Solutions, 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 951-299-9853 or book an appointment with us online.