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 probably a little worried about the kids being out on their own for the first time. One thing you might want to include on that list of things to think about: A freshly emptied nest changes the way you can use energy efficiently.
Once your kids are all packed up and gone, one of the first things you’ll observe is some of your utility costs will decrease. After all, there are fewer people consuming 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 shouldn’t be more efficient with the energy you do consume. With some open spaces, you’re paying to heat and cool spaces you’re not even using. Shutting the doors and vents in those rooms won’t resolve that—in fact, you’ll likely use more energy and put a strain on your HVAC that way. Zoning is a possible solution.
What is Zoning?
A zoned heating and cooling system controls 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 difficult, zoning systems can be particularly 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 useful 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 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 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 Think About 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 dramatically between different floors or areas of 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 options for single-stage equipment that also let you earn 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 rooms.
Every home’s heating and cooling set up is different. The professionals at Kilbourne Heating & AC can help you decide whether zoning makes sense for you.
An empty nest is a big change—so it’s an ideal time to reevaluate your heating and cooling system to see if it’s meeting your needs. At Kilbourne Heating & AC, our goal is to make sure 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, call our experts at 561-287-7071 or arrange an appointment with us online.