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 want to figure out things to do. You’re probably a little worried about the kids being out on their own for the first time. One item you might want to put on that list of things to consider: A newly emptied nest changes the way you can use energy efficiently.
Once your kids are all packed up and out the door, one of the first things you’ll observe is some of your utility costs will decrease. After all, there aren’t as many 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 spaces, you’re racking up expenses to heat and cool rooms 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 target specific regions—or zones—in your home. They use dampers to divert the air where it’s needed. In homes where temperature control is a struggle, 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 money each month. With a zoning system, you can design different zones in your home and control them individually. When the kids are gone, you can set the temperature in their area to use less energy. When they come back to visit, you make a small change and it’s like they never left.
Perhaps the best benefit, you can save energy and money 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 an ideal fit for empty nesters who want to save energy while keeping their space just as comfortable as before. They’re also a smart choice for homes where:
- Temperature differs noticeably between different floors or rooms in the home.
- Large windows are a part of frequently used rooms.
- High ceilings make it hard 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 systems 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 areas.
Every home’s heating and cooling set up is distinctive. The professionals at B & G HVAC can help you decide whether zoning makes sense for you.
An empty nest is a big change—so it’s a perfect time to reassess your heating and cooling system to see if it’s meeting your needs. At B & G HVAC, 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 641-316-3360 or schedule an appointment with us online.