Choosing an HVAC System When Building a New Home

When you move into a new house, you often have to live with whatever heating and cooling system the previous owners decided to install. These systems are often outdated, meaning they can be loud, obtrusive, and limiting in what they allow as far as design renovations.

But if you’re working with professionals to build a new home, there is a great opportunity to install a heating and cooling system that meets all of your goals for aesthetics, comfort, noise control, and efficiency. Don’t make the mistake of leaving HVAC as an afterthought. The system you choose will make a difference, not only in your indoor comfort, but also in your monthly utility bills.

Here are a few important questions to ask yourself as you’re making the decision about your new home’s heating and cooling system.

What are Your Efficiency Goals?

If saving money and energy are important to you, know what your options are before you being your search. Today, it is much easier to find energy-efficient residential HVAC systems than it used to be.

When building a new home, you have the advantage of working with a professional HVAC contractor to determine the system size that is truly right for your space. In older homes, often times the heating and cooling systems that were installed are oversize, meaning that the system is actually less efficient because it will never reach peak operating temperature. With new construction, the HVAC professional can calculate the heating load based on the size of the home, the insulation, and the local climate.

Your HVAC contractor can also recommend the types of heating and cooling systems that will be most efficient in your home. Whether this is a ductless mini-split system or a centralized system, consult the professionals for help in determining what will be right for your home.

What are Your Comfort Goals?

,p>Climate is a big consideration when deciding on a heating and cooling system for your new house. In some parts of the country, central air conditioning is an absolute must-have. But in Vermont, where the temperature only rarely reaches over 85 degrees, it is less of a necessity.

Talk to your HVAC contractor about your indoor comfort goals and they will be able to make even more targeted recommendations. For example, a ductless mini-split system has the advantage of being small and flexible for zoning or heating and cooling individual rooms, but the cost of installing mini splits can be higher than some other systems, and some people don’t like the way the systems look. Comfort may also take noise control into consideration. If you’re sensitive to the sounds of an HVAC system, look specifically for quiet or silent equipment. Be sure you understand all of the pros and cons of the various systems that are on the market today before making your final choice.

Can a Local HVAC Company Service Your Equipment?

Homeowners today have the advantage of being able to do their own research about what types of systems they think they might like to have in their homes. And with all of the advanced, modern equipment available, some of the options are unique. Before you decide on a brand new, highly complex system, be sure that a local HVAC company will be able to service your equipment. You don’t want to run into a situation where you need emergency service, but the only people who know how to work on your heating or cooling system are a few hours away.

Building a new house an exciting time filled with innumerable choices to be made. Don’t let your HVAC system be an afterthought—it’s one of the most vital decisions you’ll make about your home because it affects the house’s looks (both inside and outside), comfort level, and energy bills. Consult with professionals so that you make the right choice for you and your family.

Start Your Project