Zone control improves home comfort
With the strict limitations caused by the Coronavirus, I now work from home.
While I’m thrilled with this arrangement, I’ve needed to make some adjustments. I started by setting up a dedicated office where I can work without interruption. I converted an unused bedroom that allows me to shut the door and avoid distractions. Now that I am home throughout the day, I can no longer shut off the furnace or air conditioner to conserve energy. I realized that it was costing me a fortune to heat or cool a mainly empty house. I contacted a local HVAC contractor and asked about the possibility of upgrading to zone control. Fortunately my furnace, air conditioner and ductwork are new enough to accommodate this improvement. It required installing a series of valves into the duct system to direct airflow. I also needed to invest into thermostats for each room. Because these thermostats feature wifi connectivity, I’m able to access them through my smartphone. I don’t need to leave my desk to make changes to temperature in every room in the house. While I’m working, I concentrate temperature control in my home office. I make sure to welcome the kids home from school to a comfortable house. In the evening, when the whole family is headed to bed, I target heating or cooling in the bedrooms but conserve energy in the downstairs area. Installing zoning into the heating and cooling system has significantly improved the comfort of our home while also reducing utility costs Because the furnace and air conditioner are no longer carrying such a big responsibility, I’m hoping the equipment lasts longer.