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 factor you might want to put 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 on their way, one of the first things you’ll see is some of your energy costs will decrease. After all, there are less people using the resources in your home—from water and food to electricity.
But even though you’re using lower amounts of energy, that doesn’t mean you couldn’t be more efficient with the energy you do consume. 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 likely use more energy and put a strain on your HVAC going that route. Zoning might be just the ticket for you.
What is Zoning?
A zoned heating and cooling system controls 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 challenging, zoning systems can be even more helpful. Rather than battle with just one part of the home that is too hot or cold, zoning permits 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 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.
Best of all, you can save energy and expenses 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 Consider Zoning?
Zoning systems are a perfect fit for empty nesters who want to save energy while maintaining comfort levels. They’re also a great choice for homes where:
- Temperature differs dramatically between different floors or spaces in the home.
- Large windows are a part of commonly used rooms.
- High ceilings make it hard to maintain temperatures.
Will Zoning Work with My Existing HVAC?
Generally, zoning works best for homes 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 realize 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 special. The professionals at Tokay Heating and Air Conditioning can help you determine 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 Tokay Heating and Air Conditioning, our goal is to ensure you’re comfortable and your system is working as efficiently as possible. If you want to hear more on how a zoned system could help, give us a call at 209-257-3156 or arrange an appointment with us online.