If you’re on the path to an empty nest, you’ve got plenty 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 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 children 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 are fewer 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 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 choosing that option. Zoning is a possible solution.
What is Zoning?
A zoned heating and cooling system manages the air in your HVAC to focus 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 a struggle, 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 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 regulate them individually. When the kids are at their own place, you can set the temperature in their room to use less energy. When they come back to visit, you make a small change 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 Think About 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 great choice for homes where:
- Temperature differs dramatically between different floors or areas of the home.
- Large windows are a part of frequently used rooms.
- High ceilings make it hard to regulate 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 run at peak efficiency—so you can save energy and costs. However, there are options for single-stage equipment that also let you reap the benefits of zoning.
And for situations 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 experts at Stieferman Heating Company Inc can help you determine whether zoning makes sense for you.
An empty nest is a big change—so it’s a great time to reevaluate your heating and cooling system to see if it’s meeting your needs. At Stieferman Heating Company Inc, our goal is to confirm that 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 573-635-3547 or book an appointment with us online.