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 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 freshly emptied nest changes the way you can use energy efficiently.
Once your kids are all packed up and gone, one of the first things you’ll notice is some of your utility costs will decrease. After all, there are less 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 shouldn’t be more efficient with the energy you do use. With some open spaces, you’re racking up expenses to heat and cool areas 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 choosing that option. Zoning can help.
What is Zoning?
A zoned heating and cooling system regulates the air in your HVAC to target specific spaces—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 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 useful for empty nesters who want to save energy and expenses each month. With a zoning system, you can design different zones in your home and regulate them individually. When the kids are away, 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.
Best of all, you can save energy and costs using a zoning system. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you could experience 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 great fit for empty nesters who want to save energy while maintaining comfort levels. They’re also a smart choice for homes where:
- Temperature differs radically between different floors or rooms 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?
Typically, zoning works best for residences that have a multi-stage variable capacity HVAC system. This ensures it can operate at peak efficiency—so you can save energy and costs. However, there are options for single-stage equipment that also let you realize 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 professionals at Contra Costa Heating & AC can help you decide whether zoning makes sense for you.
An empty nest is a big change—so it’s an ideal time to reexamine your heating and cooling system to see if it’s meeting your needs. At Contra Costa Heating & AC, our goal is to confirm that 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 510-343-9841 or book an appointment with us online.