If you’re on the road 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 factor you might want to put on that list of things to think about: A newly emptied nest changes the way you can use energy efficiently.
Once the kids are all packed up and gone, one of the first things you’ll observe is some of your energy costs will decrease. After all, there are less 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 shouldn’t be more efficient with the energy you do utilize. With some open spaces, you’re racking up expenses 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 that way. 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 areas—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 particularly helpful. Rather than fight 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 costs each month. With a zoning system, you can make different zones in your home and manage 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 change and it’s like they never left.
Best of all, 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 Consider 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 noticeably between different floors or rooms in the home.
- Large windows are a part of commonly used rooms.
- High ceilings make it challenging to regulate temperatures.
Will Zoning Work with My Existing HVAC?
Usually, 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 solutions 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 spaces.
Every home’s heating and cooling set up is special. The professionals at Faust Air Conditioning and Heating 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 Faust Air Conditioning and 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, contact us at 979-323-6130 or book an appointment with us online.