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 probably a little worried about the kids being out on their own for the first time. One item you might want to include on that list of things to ponder: A recently 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 observe is some of your bills will decrease. After all, there aren’t as many 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 rooms, you’re racking up expenses to heat and cool spaces 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 regulates the air in your HVAC to target specific regions—or zones—in your home. They use dampers to focus the air where it’s needed. In homes where temperature control is challenging, zoning systems can be especially helpful. Rather than fight 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 nice for empty nesters who want to save energy and costs 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 room 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 costs 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 Consider Zoning?
Zoning systems are an ideal fit for empty nesters who want to save energy while maintaining comfort levels. They’re also a smart choice for homes where:
- Temperature differs dramatically between different floors or spaces in the home.
- Large windows are a part of frequently used rooms.
- High ceilings make it challenging to maintain temperatures.
Will Zoning Work with My Existing HVAC?
Usually, zoning works best for residences that have a multi-stage variable capacity HVAC system. This ensures it can operate at peak efficiency—so you can save energy and costs. 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 rooms.
Every home’s heating and cooling set up is distinctive. The team at 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. can help you decide whether zoning makes sense for you.
An empty nest is a big change—so it’s an ideal time to reevaluate your heating and cooling system to see if it’s meeting your needs. At 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc., 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 949-204-0859 or book an appointment with us online.