No matter the weather, modern technology makes it possible to stay comfortable indoors. Advances in home heating and cooling have also made systems more efficient and environmentally friendly. Energy Star certified homes built by Segal & Morel use high-efficiency HVAC and ventilation systems to keep you comfortable and enhance the air quality in your home.
Home Heating And Cooling Systems
HVAC equipment can account for more than 50% of the total energy use in a home. Efficient home heating and cooling systems are essential to properly regulate the temperature in your home and save money on utility bills. There’s so much more to your HVAC system than a furnace, air conditioning units, and vents, however. HVAC systems must be correctly sized to ensure an efficient and properly ventilated home, and other critical elements help keep your system firing on all cylinders.
Forced Air Heating And Cooling
Most new homes feature forced air systems that consist of a centrally located furnace and a network of air ducts. Typically, the furnace runs on electricity or natural gas. A blower forces heated air through the supply ducts, and the air blows from heat registers throughout the living space. The blower also draws cooler air through the return ductwork so it can be reheated at the furnace. The same ductwork can be used to distribute cool air from a central air conditioning system in hot weather. Regardless of the season, a well-designed duct system can provide balanced airflow to all rooms for optimal comfort and efficiency.
In some homes, fans release stale air to the outside. A Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV) exchanges indoor air for fresh outside air while retaining the energy in the expelled air and transferring it to the incoming unconditioned air.
Thermostats
The thermostat enables your home to maintain consistent indoor temperatures. In larger houses, there may be several thermostats. Once you’ve set the desired temperature on your thermostat, your heating or cooling system will only come on when that temperature fluctuates up or down a degree. Once the target temperature is met, the thermostat tells the system to shut off.
Using a programmable thermostat is a reliable, affordable way to cut down on energy use and save money on home heating and cooling. It allows you to preset the temperature automatically for days and times when living spaces aren’t being used.
Zoned Systems
Zoned systems make large luxury homes more efficient by only heating or cooling certain areas of the house when they are in use. For example, if you put the second floor on a separate heating zone with a dedicated thermostat, this area of the house wouldn’t need to be fully heated when it’s unoccupied, typically during the day.
Construction And Insulation
Quality construction, upgraded windows, and premium insulation also increase energy efficiency and help your home feel warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Argon gas-filled double pane insulated windows prevent heat from escaping when temperatures drop outside in the winter months and keep heat from creeping in when they soar in the summer.
When installed properly, higher levels of insulation prevent excessive heat and cold from penetrating your home. Better insulation also helps balance out temperatures throughout your home, especially between one room and another, which can reduce the workload on your HVAC system.
While the initial investment may seem high, energy-efficient equipment and quality construction last longer and cost less to maintain over time. Tight construction, quality windows, and more insulation also mean reduced noise, fewer drafts, less airborne dust, and less exposure to pollutants in the air. It’s estimated that some Energy Star certified homes are at least 10% more efficient than a new code built home.
Choosing The Right HVAC System For You
Educating yourself about home heating and cooling options can help you make informed decisions when deciding on which HVAC equipment to choose. Talking to your builder about the benefits of energy-efficient systems and superior construction can help you better understand what’s available and how it can meet your needs and enhance your lifestyle.
Contact Us To Learn More About Home Heating And Cooling
Since 1960, Segal & Morel has been building extraordinary homes and planned communities with innovative floor plans and quality construction. Our Energy Star certified homes help you save on home heating and cooling while minimizing your impact on the environment. Contact us online for more information about building a new luxury home in NJ and PA today or call our office at 610-923-8422.
