If you’re on the path to an empty nest, you’ve got a lot 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 item you might want to include on that list of things to ponder: A freshly emptied nest changes the way you can use energy efficiently.
Once your kids 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 fewer people consuming 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 use. With some open spaces, you’re paying to heat and cool rooms you’re not even using. Shutting the doors and vents in those rooms won’t resolve that—in fact, you’ll possibly use more energy and put a strain on your HVAC that way. Zoning might be just the ticket for you.
What is Zoning?
A zoned heating and cooling system regulates the air in your HVAC to narrow in on specific regions—or zones—in your home. They use dampers to focus the air where it’s needed. In homes where temperature control is a struggle, zoning systems can be especially helpful. Rather than battle 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 useful for empty nesters who want to save energy and money each month. With a zoning system, you can make different zones in your home and control them individually. When the kids are gone, you can set the temperature in their space to use less energy. When they come back to visit, you make a small tweak and it’s like they never left.
Most importantly, you can save energy and expenses 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 dramatically between different floors or rooms in the home.
- Large windows are a part of commonly used rooms.
- High ceilings make it challenging to maintain temperatures.
Will Zoning Work with My Existing HVAC?
Usually, zoning works best for houses 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 systems 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 areas.
Every home’s heating and cooling set up is different. The team at Three Rivers Heating & Cooling can help you decide whether zoning makes sense for you.
An empty nest is a big change—so it’s a perfect time to reevaluate your heating and cooling system to see if it’s meeting your needs. At Three Rivers Heating & Cooling, 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, call our experts at 503-213-4433 or arrange an appointment with us online.