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 find ways to spend. You’re possibly a little worried about the kids being out on their own for the first time. One thing you might want to add to that list of things to ponder: A newly 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 notice is some of your energy costs will decrease. After all, there are less people using the resources in your home—from water and food to electricity.
But even though you’re using less energy, that doesn’t mean you couldn’t be more efficient with the energy you do utilize. With some open spaces, you’re spending money to heat and cool spaces you’re not even using. Shutting the doors and vents in those rooms won’t fix that—in fact, you’ll likely use more energy and put a strain on your HVAC going that route. Zoning might be just the ticket for you.
What is Zoning?
A zoned heating and cooling system manages the air in your HVAC to focus on specific regions—or zones—in your home. They use dampers to push the air where it’s needed. In homes where temperature control is challenging, zoning systems can be particularly 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 create different zones in your home and manage them individually. When the kids are at their own place, you can set the temperature in their space to use less energy. When they come back to visit, you make a small adjustment and it’s like they never left.
Perhaps the best benefit, you can save energy and costs 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 a perfect fit for empty nesters who want to save energy while keeping up with their home comfort. They’re also a great choice for homes where:
- Temperature differs radically between different floors or areas of the home.
- Large windows are a part of commonly used rooms.
- High ceilings make it difficult to regulate temperatures.
Will Zoning Work with My Existing HVAC?
Generally, zoning works best for homes that have a multi-stage variable capacity HVAC system. This ensures it can function 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 situations 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 special. The experts at Dave's Diversified Services 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 Dave's Diversified Services, 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, call our experts at 540-636-3396 or book an appointment with us online.