If you’re on the path to an empty nest, you’ve got plenty on your mind. You have more free time in your future you’ll need to fill. You’re likely a little worried about the kids being out on their own for the first time. One factor you might want to add to that list of things to think about: A freshly 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 see is some of your bills 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 lower amounts of energy, that doesn’t mean you couldn’t be more efficient with the energy you do utilize. With some open spaces, 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 choosing that option. Zoning is a possible solution.
What is Zoning?
A zoned heating and cooling system controls 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 difficult, zoning systems can be particularly helpful. Rather than battle with just one part of the home that is too hot or cold, zoning offers a custom temperature to be set in the area.
Zoning systems are also helpful for empty nesters who want to save energy and money each month. With a zoning system, you can make different zones in your home and manage them individually. When the kids are away, you can set the temperature in their area 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 expenses 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 an ideal 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 noticeably between different floors or spaces in the home.
- Large windows are a part of frequently used rooms.
- High ceilings make it hard to regulate temperatures.
Will Zoning Work with My Existing HVAC?
Typically, zoning works best for residences that have a multi-stage variable capacity HVAC system. This ensures it can run at peak efficiency—so you can save energy and costs. 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 rooms.
Every home’s heating and cooling set up is special. The professionals at Cytech Heating & Cooling L.C. 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 Cytech Heating & Cooling L.C., our goal is to make sure 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, contact us at 956-630-3522 or book an appointment with us online.