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 probably 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 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 see is some of your utility costs will decrease. After all, there are less 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 use. With some open rooms, you’re paying 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 possibly 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 regulates the air in your HVAC to focus on specific areas—or zones—in your home. They use dampers to push the air where it’s needed. In homes where temperature control is difficult, zoning systems can be especially helpful. Rather than deal with just one part of the home that is too hot or cold, zoning offers 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 away, 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 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 radically between different floors or spaces in the home.
- Large windows are a part of regularly used rooms.
- High ceilings make it difficult to regulate temperatures.
Will Zoning Work with My Existing HVAC?
Usually, zoning works best for homes that have a multi-stage variable capacity HVAC system. This ensures it can operate 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 cases 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 team at Strine's Heating & Air Conditioning can help you choose 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 Strine's Heating & Air Conditioning, our goal is to ensure you’re comfortable and your system is operating as efficiently as possible. If you want to hear more on how a zoned system could help, contact us at 717-383-4479 or schedule an appointment with us online.