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 need to fill. You’re probably a little worried about the kids being out on their own for the first time. One item you might want to include on that list of things to ponder: A recently emptied nest changes the way you can use energy efficiently.
Once your kids are all packed up and out the door, one of the first things you’ll notice is some of your bills will decrease. After all, there aren’t as many people utilizing 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 racking up expenses 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 can help.
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 push the air where it’s needed. In homes where temperature control is a struggle, zoning systems can be particularly helpful. Rather than battle with just one part of the home that is too hot or cold, zoning allows 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 create different zones in your home and regulate them individually. When the kids are at their own place, you can set the temperature in their room 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 Ponder 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 good 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 difficult to maintain 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 function 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 special. The experts at Siloam Springs Heating & AC can help you choose 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 Siloam Springs Heating & AC, 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, call our experts at 479-308-8176 or book an appointment with us online.