If you’re on the path to an empty nest, you’ve got quite a bit on your mind. You have more free time in your future you’ll need to fill. You’re possibly a little worried about the kids being out on their own for the first time. One item you might want to add to that list of things to ponder: A newly 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 notice 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 a reduced amount of energy, that doesn’t mean you can’t be more efficient with the energy you do use. With some open rooms, you’re paying to heat and cool spaces you’re not even using. Shutting the doors and vents in those rooms won’t solve that—in fact, you’ll possibly 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 manages the air in your HVAC to target 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 particularly helpful. Rather than deal 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 useful for empty nesters who want to save energy and costs 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 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 money using a zoning system. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you could notice 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 perfect fit for empty nesters who want to save energy while keeping their space just as comfortable as before. They’re also a smart choice for homes where:
- Temperature differs radically 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?
Generally, 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 costs. However, there are solutions for single-stage equipment that also let you reap the benefits of zoning.
And for cases that need an even more flexible solution, there are mini split systems that can act as a separate HVAC for difficult to regulate areas.
Every home’s heating and cooling set up is distinctive. The team at Luikart Heating & Cooling 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 Luikart Heating & Cooling, 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 740-200-5591 or arrange an appointment with us online.