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 want to figure out things to do. You’re possibly 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 consider: A freshly emptied nest changes the way you can use energy efficiently.
Once the kids are all packed up and on their way, one of the first things you’ll see is some of your energy costs will decrease. After all, there aren’t as many people utilizing 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 possibly 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 regulates the air in your HVAC to narrow in on specific spaces—or zones—in your home. They use dampers to divert the air where it’s needed. In homes where temperature control is difficult, zoning systems can be especially helpful. Rather than battle 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 make different zones in your home and manage them individually. When the kids are gone, 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 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 Consider 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 good choice for homes where:
- Temperature differs radically between different floors or areas of the home.
- Large windows are a part of commonly used rooms.
- High ceilings make it challenging to maintain temperatures.
Will Zoning Work with My Existing HVAC?
Usually, zoning works best for homes that have a multi-stage variable capacity HVAC system. This ensures it can function at peak efficiency—so you can save energy and expenses. 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 rooms.
Every home’s heating and cooling set up is different. The team at Pepper AC & Htg Inc can help you choose 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 Pepper AC & Htg Inc, our goal is to confirm that 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, contact us at 940-202-1184 or book an appointment with us online.