Top Benefits of Using a High-Efficiency HVAC System

As mentioned in a previous blog post, we are green builders because of the building methods, materials, and products we use. We strive to create homes that will continue to save energy after completion. One way we accomplish that is through the heating and cooling systems we install in our homes.

Over half a home’s energy goes toward heating and cooling, so your HVAC (heating, ventilating, and air conditioning) system will have an effect on your wallet and the environment. When replacing or installing a new system, we choose high-efficiency HVAC systems because of their superior performance.

For seven of the top benefits provided by high-efficiency HVAC systems, read our list below.

1. Financial savings

Many older systems operate on a low efficiency, usually around 65% of your system’s annual fuel usage efficiency. With a high-efficiency system, you can save thousands of dollars in energy usage every year. Most of the new systems have a fuel usage efficiency of over 90% per year. With your financial savings, your new system can pay for itself in only a few years.

2. Greater comfort

High-efficiency HVAC systems usually come with programmable thermostat systems, which allow you to control the temperatures in specific areas of your home. New technology produces superior heating and air flow, as well as better humidity control. Maintain the temperatures you desire, whether you’re at home or away. Use your pre-programmable thermostat to save energy and heat/cool your home based on your schedule.

3. Peace and quiet

Unlike your older system, you’ll be hard-pressed to hear when your high-efficiency HVAC system kicks on. The high-tech materials in the new systems absorb operating noise and prevent the loud rumbles you’re used to.

4. Increased health

Your HVAC system treats your air to remove contaminates, such as fungi, mold, dust particles, and bacteria. With a high-efficiency system, you’ll have less allergy and asthma issues, less mold and mildew-caused illnesses, and better respiratory health.

5. Longer operating life

When properly maintained, high-efficiency HVAC systems typically require fewer large repairs. These systems minimize on-and-off cycling, which allows them to last longer than older, low-efficiency systems.

6. Environmental impact

These newer systems use one-third less fuel and save more energy than older models. This saves you money, but also creates less waste and conserves more natural resources.

7. Increased resale value

When your home has a new, high-efficiency HVAC system, it will be more attractive to potential buyers. New homeowners will have the guarantee of a high-performing system that won’t need replacing for several years, as well as cost and energy savings. These systems can raise the value of your home and possibly help it sell faster.

Do you have a high-efficiency HVAC system in your home? How has it worked for you?

Green Building: Our Methods

What makes our building methods “green”? Is it the materials we use? Is it the way we construct our homes or the location we choose? Is there really an easy answer?

The short answer is no. There’s not one method or product or choice that can make a home truly green. Instead, it’s a combination of decisions, such as reusing scrap lumber or reducing energy consumption, that allow the builder and the homeowner to lower the impact of the home’s carbon footprint.

Our founder, Rich Moriarty, explained it this way:

“We are using recycled materials, saving trees, reducing our energy and water consumption, all the while saving money. Green building is the assembly of multiple systems, products, and improved building practices that create a longer lasting, less energy consuming, and healthier home.”

To help you understand how we, Integrity Remodeling & Custom Homes, accomplish this sometimes daunting task, we’ve listed some of the main systems that truly impact a home’s carbon footprint. We focus on these systems to accomplish some of the green building practices that are going to make on impact on your home.

High efficiency HVAC system

About half of your home’s energy goes to heating and cooling. Using a high efficiency HVAC system saves money, provides better heating and cooling, and lasts longer than older systems. If you’re planning on selling your house in the future, a high efficiency HVAC system can raise the value of your home and may even help it sell faster. They use one-third less fuel than older models, which helps conserve natural resources, and creates fewer damaging emissions.

Insulation

There are two types of spray foam insulation that can help your home be more energy efficient. While both have advantages and disadvantages, these insulations perform consistently well and can help prevent air and heat from escaping through holes and openings in your home. We’ve included this comparison chart to the right to help you understand the differences between closed cell and open cell spray foam.

Efficient windows and doors

Using energy efficient windows and doors can lower your lighting, heating, and cooling bills and save the energy that would be lost otherwise. As with most green decisions, there are several options for efficient windows and doors. One option is to use windows and doors that have argon-insulated glass. Another is to use glass coated with a transparent metallic oxide coating, which prevents heat from transferring through the glass. Aluminum-clad wood also prevents hot outside air from entering the home and consuming more energy.

Recycled materials

Recycled materials are being used in building homes and are superior to conventional lumber, which significantly  impacts our environment. By using materials such as Trex decking (recycled plastic used to make boards and railings in lieu of traditional lumber) and framing materials made from scrap lumber that would normally be discarded, we are using engineering to manage our resources better.

Contact us today to discuss ways we can help you to utilize energy efficient systems and incorporate green building practices in your home.