If you’re having a new home built, you have lots of decisions to make. One of those decisions will be in regard to the heating and cooling system for your home. Today, there are lots of options. Gas forced air remains a popular choice, but heat pumps are an energy efficient option for homes in many areas of the country. In floor radiant heat is another current choice worth considering. So how do you decide?
- System Cost. Comparing the initial costs of installing different types of HVAC systems is the first, but not the final step in deciding on which system to use in your home. In comparing competitive bids for similar systems, be sure to look for differences in sizing of the furnaces and AC units. Bigger is not necessarily better when it comes to HVAC systems. What is important is that the system is properly sized for the home. A system that is too large will not operate efficiently, just as one that is too small will be working too hard trying to keep up with the demand of the system.
- Operating Costs. The cost of your HVAC system doesn’t end with the building of your home. The energy costs associated with operating the heating and cooling systems need to be compared as well. There are energy efficiency systems that may be more expensive to install but less expensive to operate and vice versa. How many years will it take to offset those extra costs with energy savings? Will you be in the home long enough to reap those energy benefits?
Always be sure to request detailed estimates from HVAC contractors that are bidding on your home heating system. Ask them about expected energy costs and for references from their other customers with similar systems. It’s a big purchase and worth careful consideration.
