If you’re on your way 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 probably a little worried about the kids being out on their own for the first time. One item you might want to add to that list of things to think about: A recently 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 observe is some of your utility costs will decrease. After all, there are less 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 can’t be more efficient with the energy you do use. With some open areas, you’re racking up expenses to heat and cool spaces you’re not even using. Shutting the doors and vents in those rooms won’t solve that—in fact, you’ll probably 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 target specific spaces—or zones—in your home. They use dampers to push the air where it’s needed. In homes where temperature control is a struggle, 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 costs each month. With a zoning system, you can make different zones in your home and regulate them individually. When the kids are away, you can set the temperature in their area to use less energy. When they come back to visit, you make a small change 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 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 great 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 hard to regulate 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 run at peak efficiency—so you can save energy and expenses. However, there are options for single-stage equipment that also let you realize 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 areas.
Every home’s heating and cooling set up is distinctive. The team at Forster Heating can help you decide whether zoning makes sense for you.
An empty nest is a big change—so it’s an ideal time to reexamine your heating and cooling system to see if it’s meeting your needs. At Forster Heating, our goal is to make sure 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, give us a call at 530-885-8081 or schedule an appointment with us online.