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 want to figure out things to do. You’re likely a little worried about the kids being out on their own for the first time. One factor you might want to include on 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 observe is some of your utility 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 less energy, that doesn’t mean you can’t be more efficient with the energy you do consume. With some open spaces, you’re spending money to heat and cool rooms you’re not even using. Shutting the doors and vents in those rooms won’t fix that—in fact, you’ll probably use more energy and put a strain on your HVAC choosing that option. Zoning is a possible solution.
What is Zoning?
A zoned heating and cooling system controls 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 particularly 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 helpful for empty nesters who want to save energy and money each month. With a zoning system, you can create different zones in your home and manage 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.
Best of all, you can save energy and costs 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 great 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 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?
Usually, zoning works best for homes that have a multi-stage variable capacity HVAC system. This ensures it can run at peak efficiency—so you can save energy and expenses. However, there are options for single-stage equipment that also let you earn 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 areas.
Every home’s heating and cooling set up is special. The experts at Rapids Sheet Metal Works Inc can help you determine whether zoning makes sense for you.
An empty nest is a big change—so it’s a perfect time to reexamine your heating and cooling system to see if it’s meeting your needs. At Rapids Sheet Metal Works Inc, our goal is to make sure you’re comfortable and your system is operating as efficiently as possible. If you want to hear more on how a zoned system could help, contact us at 715-301-0256 or book an appointment with us online.