If you’re on the road to an empty nest, you’ve got a lot on your mind. You have more free time in your future you’ll need to fill. You’re possibly 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 newly emptied nest changes the way you can use energy efficiently.
Once your 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 are less people consuming the resources in your home—from water and food to electricity.
But even though you’re using a reduced amount of energy, that doesn’t mean you can’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 solve that—in fact, you’ll likely 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 focus on specific spaces—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 even more helpful. Rather than deal 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 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 gone, you can set the temperature in their space to use less energy. When they come back to visit, you make a small adjustment 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 experience 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 keeping up with their home comfort. They’re also a good choice for homes where:
- Temperature differs noticeably between different floors or spaces in the home.
- Large windows are a part of frequently used rooms.
- High ceilings make it difficult to control temperatures.
Will Zoning Work with My Existing HVAC?
Typically, 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 systems for single-stage equipment that also let you realize the benefits of zoning.
And for cases 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 experts at Evenaire Heating & Air Conditioning 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 Evenaire Heating & Air Conditioning, 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, call our experts at 512-355-1482 or arrange an appointment with us online.