If you’re on the road 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 likely 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 recently emptied nest changes the way you can use energy efficiently.
Once the kids are all packed up and gone, one of the first things you’ll notice is some of your energy costs will decrease. After all, there are fewer people utilizing 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 couldn’t be more efficient with the energy you do utilize. With some open rooms, you’re spending money to heat and cool areas 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 choosing that option. Zoning might be just the ticket for you.
What is Zoning?
A zoned heating and cooling system controls the air in your HVAC to focus on specific areas—or zones—in your home. They use dampers to focus the air where it’s needed. In homes where temperature control is challenging, zoning systems can be even more 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 expenses each month. With a zoning system, you can design 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 tweak and it’s like they never left.
Best of all, you can save energy and expenses 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 Ponder Zoning?
Zoning systems are a perfect fit for empty nesters who want to save energy while keeping their space just as comfortable as before. They’re also a good choice for homes where:
- Temperature differs noticeably between different floors or rooms in the home.
- Large windows are a part of commonly used rooms.
- High ceilings make it difficult to maintain temperatures.
Will Zoning Work with My Existing HVAC?
Generally, 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 money. However, there are solutions 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 rooms.
Every home’s heating and cooling set up is distinctive. The experts at Hix Air Conditioning Service, 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 Hix Air Conditioning Service, Inc., 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 918-682-8238 or arrange an appointment with us online.