If you’re on your way to an empty nest, you’ve got plenty 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 put 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 out the door, one of the first things you’ll observe is some of your energy costs will decrease. After all, there are less 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 couldn’t be more efficient with the energy you do utilize. With some open spaces, you’re racking up expenses to heat and cool rooms 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 can help.
What is Zoning?
A zoned heating and cooling system regulates the air in your HVAC to focus on specific spaces—or zones—in your home. They use dampers to focus the air where it’s needed. In homes where temperature control is difficult, zoning systems can be especially helpful. Rather than fight 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 nice for empty nesters who want to save energy and money 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 space to use less energy. When they come back to visit, you make a small adjustment and it’s like they never left.
Most importantly, you can save energy and expenses 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 up with their home comfort. They’re also a good choice for homes where:
- Temperature differs radically between different floors or areas of the home.
- Large windows are a part of commonly used rooms.
- High ceilings make it difficult to maintain 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 expenses. However, there are systems 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 spaces.
Every home’s heating and cooling set up is distinctive. The experts at AZ Air Conditioning and Heating 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 AZ Air Conditioning and Heating, our goal is to confirm that 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, contact us at 800-296-5088 or arrange an appointment with us online.