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 find ways to spend. You’re probably a little worried about the kids being out on their own for the first time. One thing you might want to put on that list of things to consider: A freshly 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 energy 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 less energy, that doesn’t mean you can’t be more efficient with the energy you do utilize. 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 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 areas—or zones—in your home. They use dampers to divert the air where it’s needed. In homes where temperature control is a struggle, zoning systems can be even more helpful. Rather than deal 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 money each month. With a zoning system, you can design different zones in your home and control 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 tweak 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 Ponder 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 great 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 control temperatures.
Will Zoning Work with My Existing HVAC?
Generally, 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 options for single-stage equipment that also let you reap 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 different. The experts at TopTec Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical can help you choose 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 TopTec Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical, our goal is to ensure 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 847-362-0262 or schedule an appointment with us online.