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Understand Your Heating and Cooling Options.
Building a home is exciting, with so many decisions ahead that will shape the comfort, efficiency, and livability of your home for years to come. Among these choices, perhaps none is more important than selecting the right HVAC system. Here are some tips to keep in mind as you move forward.
Right-size Your System.
Choosing the right HVAC for the size of your home is crucial for indoor comfort and energy efficiency. An oversized system may short cycle, leading to frequent starts and stops, reduced energy efficiency, and uneven temperatures. This translates into higher utility bills, too. Conversely, an undersized system may struggle to maintain desired set temperatures, and increased wear and tear on your equipment. The solution to both these issues? Use a qualified HVAC contractor ahead of time to pick out the correct products for your needs. With precise load calculations based on factors such as square footage, insulation, and outdoor climate, an air conditioning professional can help ensure that the system is appropriately sized for your home’s needs.
Understand Energy Efficiency Ratings.
When selecting HVAC equipment for a new home, homeowners should prioritize energy efficiency to minimize operating costs and environmental impact. Look for systems with high SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) ratings for air conditioners and heat pumps, as well as high AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) ratings for furnaces. Energy Star-certified equipment also meets stringent efficiency standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Rebates are often associated with these models, so make sure to ask upon purchase.
Ask About Ductwork Design and Sealing.
Appropriately designed and sealed ductwork is essential for maximizing HVAC performance. Leaky ducts can result in energy loss, reduced indoor air quality, and uneven heating or cooling throughout the home. Consider investing in ductwork that is sized and configured to minimize air resistance and pressure imbalances. Additionally, ensure that duct seams and joints are properly sealed with mastic or foil tape to prevent air leaks.
Learn More About Zoning and Controls.
Zoning allows homeowners to divide the home into separate temperature zones, each with its thermostat and HVAC equipment. This allows for better control over heating and cooling in different areas of your home, lowering your overall energy consumption without sacrificing indoor comfort. Programmable or smart thermostats also offer multiple convenient, energy-saving features.
Consider Indoor Air Quality.
Indoor air quality is so important for overall wellbeing and health, particularly for new construction where building materials and finishes may off-gas volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Consider incorporating ventilation systems like energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) or heat recovery ventilators (HRVs), to maintain an adequate fresh air exchange while minimizing energy loss. Also think about installing high-efficiency air filters or air purifiers to remove allergens, pollutants, and contaminants from your indoor air.
Add In Regular Maintenance
Regular upkeep and inspections are essential for preserving the efficiency, performance and longevity of any HVAC system. When designing what your heating and air conditioning will look like for a new home, factor in ease of maintenance, too. In other words, check to make sure filters, coils, and other components can be accessed and cleaned easily. If necessary, install filter access panels, service ports, or other diagnostic features..
Plan for Renewable Energy.
With the growing emphasis on sustainability and renewable energy, homeowners may want to consider future-proofing their HVAC systems for integration with solar panels, geothermal heat pumps, or other renewable energy sources. Designing with adequate space and infrastructure for future upgrades allows you to take advantage of emerging technologies and reduce reliance on traditional fossil fuels over time.
To paraphrase a certain grandma we know, indoor comfort goes along with HVAC like peas and carrots. But with a little thoughtful consideration when you’re choosing which system to purchase, you can also build in energy efficiency, and long term sustainability into your heating and air conditioning, too.
Call the experts at Air-Tro for all your heating and cooling needs. We’re the family-owned HVAC company that’s been keeping California comfortable since 1969. (626)357-3535