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 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 put on that list of things to ponder: A recently emptied nest changes the way you can use energy efficiently.
Once the children are all packed up and gone, one of the first things you’ll notice is some of your energy costs will decrease. After all, there are fewer 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 shouldn’t be more efficient with the energy you do consume. With some open rooms, you’re paying to heat and cool rooms 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 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 nice for empty nesters who want to save energy and expenses each month. With a zoning system, you can design different zones in your home and regulate them individually. When the kids are at their own place, you can set the temperature in their area to use less energy. When they come back to visit, you make a small tweak and it’s like they never left.
Perhaps the best benefit, 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 radically between different floors or rooms 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 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 reap 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 distinctive. The experts at County Line Mechanical LLC can help you decide whether zoning makes sense for you.
An empty nest is a big change—so it’s a perfect time to reassess your heating and cooling system to see if it’s meeting your needs. At County Line Mechanical LLC, our goal is to confirm that 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 717-216-0846 or schedule an appointment with us online.