If you’re on the path to an empty nest, you’ve got quite a bit 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 thing you might want to include on that list of things to think about: A freshly 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 notice is some of your bills 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 a reduced amount of energy, that doesn’t mean you can’t be more efficient with the energy you do utilize. With some open rooms, you’re racking up expenses 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 going that route. Zoning can help.
What is Zoning?
A zoned heating and cooling system manages the air in your HVAC to target specific areas—or zones—in your home. They use dampers to divert the air where it’s needed. In homes where temperature control is challenging, zoning systems can be particularly 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 money each month. With a zoning system, you can create 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 adjustment and it’s like they never left.
Best of all, 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 Think About Zoning?
Zoning systems are an ideal fit for empty nesters who want to save energy while maintaining comfort levels. They’re also a good choice for homes where:
- Temperature differs radically between different floors or rooms in the home.
- Large windows are a part of frequently used rooms.
- High ceilings make it challenging to regulate temperatures.
Will Zoning Work with My Existing HVAC?
Usually, zoning works best for residences that have a multi-stage variable capacity HVAC system. This ensures it can operate at peak efficiency—so you can save energy and money. However, there are solutions for single-stage equipment that also let you earn 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 different. The team at Wolfe & Sons Heating and Cooling can help you choose whether zoning makes sense for you.
An empty nest is a big change—so it’s a great time to reassess your heating and cooling system to see if it’s meeting your needs. At Wolfe & Sons Heating and Cooling, 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, contact us at 614-451-0846 or schedule an appointment with us online.