If you’re on your way 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 likely a little worried about the kids being out on their own for the first time. One factor 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 observe is some of your utility costs will decrease. After all, there aren’t as many people using 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 possibly 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 regulates the air in your HVAC to focus on specific areas—or zones—in your home. They use dampers to divert the air where it’s needed. In homes where temperature control is a struggle, zoning systems can be particularly helpful. Rather than deal 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 create different zones in your home and manage them individually. When the kids are away, 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.
Most importantly, you can save energy and money 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 great 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 dramatically between different floors or rooms in the home.
- Large windows are a part of frequently used rooms.
- High ceilings make it difficult to control temperatures.
Will Zoning Work with My Existing HVAC?
Typically, zoning works best for houses that have a multi-stage variable capacity HVAC system. This ensures it can operate at peak efficiency—so you can save energy and costs. However, there are systems for single-stage equipment that also let you earn 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 different. The professionals at Kohles & Bach Heating & Cooling can help you decide 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 Kohles & Bach 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, give us a call at 515-207-6569 or book an appointment with us online.