If you’re on your way 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 thing you might want to put on that list of things to ponder: 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 notice is some of your utility costs will decrease. After all, there aren’t as many 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 shouldn’t be more efficient with the energy you do utilize. With some open areas, 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 that way. Zoning is a possible solution.
What is Zoning?
A zoned heating and cooling system manages the air in your HVAC to narrow in 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 difficult, zoning systems can be especially helpful. Rather than fight 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 helpful 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 regulate them individually. When the kids are gone, 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.
Most importantly, you can save energy and money 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 Ponder Zoning?
Zoning systems are a perfect fit for empty nesters who want to save energy while keeping up with their home comfort. They’re also a smart 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 difficult to regulate temperatures.
Will Zoning Work with My Existing HVAC?
Generally, zoning works best for residences that have a multi-stage variable capacity HVAC system. This ensures it can function at peak efficiency—so you can save energy and expenses. However, there are solutions 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 rooms.
Every home’s heating and cooling set up is different. The team at Western Mechanical, Inc. can help you choose whether zoning makes sense for you.
An empty nest is a big change—so it’s a great time to reexamine your heating and cooling system to see if it’s meeting your needs. At Western Mechanical, Inc., our goal is to make sure 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 435-753-5515 or arrange an appointment with us online.