So, you’ve finally decided to build your new home in Humble, TX.
Congratulations! You’ve made a wise investment choice.
One thing that makes a new construction home a sound investment is that you can design it as energy-efficient as possible. And the more energy-efficient it is, the less energy it uses, and the lower your utility bills. Lowering energy consumption also helps you become more eco-friendly, as it reduces your reliance on fossil fuels.
Fortunately, designing homes for efficiency is now easier, thanks to modern HVAC solutions. This is an excellent place to start, considering HVAC use accounts for over half of a household’s energy consumption yearly.
To that end, we created this guide discussing energy-efficient HVAC products and services for your new Humble, TX, home. Read on to discover what they are and how they can help you save money during winter.
HVAC Solutions Tailored to New Construction Homes
According to the latest available data, in West South Central, which includes Texas, 100% of new single-family homes started in 2022 had central AC installed. So, people who buy these existing, albeit “new,” homes often get central AC and heating with their purchase.
A central HVAC system uses ducts to distribute conditioned air throughout a home. They’re popular since they’re quiet, convenient, and more efficient than room ACs or portable heaters.
However, central HVAC systems aren’t perfect; for example, incorrectly sized systems use more energy than needed. Improper duct installation can also lead to hot and cold spots that waste energy. There’s also the issue of air duct leakage, which can waste up to 40% of heating and cooling energy.
This is where the perks of tailored HVAC solutions come into play.
Proper HVAC Sizing
Proper HVAC installation starts with evaluating your new construction home’s size and layout.
A highly experienced HVAC technician will perform an on-site assessment during this step. This allows the professional to determine the appropriate capacity of your new HVAC system. They’ll discuss this with you and help you avoid buying an oversized or undersized system.
What’s Wrong With an Oversized HVAC?
An oversized HVAC system can heat (or cool) your home quickly. While this may seem like a perk, it’s not because a home that warms up too fast can cause discomfort.
An HVAC system that’s too big can also waste money through short cycling. This is when a unit turns on and off more often than it should. Every time it does this, it consumes more energy.
Short cycling also promotes faster equipment wear and tear. This can make your system more prone to early breakdowns that may warrant emergency heating repairs.
What About an Undersized System?
An undersized HVAC system will take too long to heat (or cool) your home. This can force you to turn the thermostat several notches up (or down) to make your home feel more comfortable. Unfortunately, every time you do this, your system has to work harder and use more energy.
Your System, Your Choice
Do you want to ditch air ducts but feel worried that you won’t be able to make your home comfortable enough without them?
Don’t worry. Modern HVAC solutions still have you covered with a ductless mini-split HVAC system. This can be more efficient than a central system since it doesn’t need ducts, which are prone to energy wastage.
Another money-saving benefit of mini-split systems is their zoning feature. Each zone has a dedicated thermostat, which you can turn on, off, or adjust whenever needed. You can heat (or cool) only the zones where people are in and turn off those that are for unused rooms.
Selection of HVAC Systems With Higher Efficiency Ratings
Consider investing in an Energy Star HVAC system to enjoy even more winter (and summer!) savings.
Energy Star-qualified heat pumps can save up to 20% on heating and cooling bills. An Energy Star furnace is also about 15% more efficient than a typical furnace.
Availability of Smart Features
HVAC solutions for new construction homes include equipment with intelligent control features. For example, they can detect changes in indoor humidity and outdoor and indoor temperatures. They can then automatically adjust their settings to create your desired indoor environment.
Intelligent HVAC systems also help you save money with remote control features. For example, using a mobile app, you can turn the heating on or off or adjust it while you’re outside. This results in your system using less energy, and you get to enjoy lower heating bills.
HVAC Maintenance Plans
When you buy a new HVAC system for your new home, you’ll have the option to purchase a service plan for it, too. This includes a multi-point inspection and preventative tune-up performed by a licensed technician. Some plans provide a once-yearly service (e.g., in spring), while others have two (one in the spring, another in the fall).
Now, you may wonder why you must maintain your brand-new HVAC system. For one, this is a manufacturer’s requirement for warranty compliance. So, failure to comply with this can lead to your HVAC warranty becoming invalid.
Most importantly, maintenance helps keep your HVAC system in good condition by:
- Changing or cleaning the air filters
- Calibrating the thermostat
- Cleaning critical components like the blower, motor, heat exchanger, pilot light, and burners
- Checking gas pipe condition and ensuring there are no leaks
The last one is essential for your safety, as gas leaks can harm your health.
At the very least, maintenance can help you save money by lowering the risk of premature breakdowns and costly HVAC repair services.
For HVAC New Construction Solutions in Spring, TX Contact Bruce Mechanical
A new construction home allows you to design for efficiency, so take advantage of this by investing in efficient HVAC solutions. This can help cut your energy bills without compromising comfort.
Bruce Mech Air Conditioning and Heating can help make your new home comfier and more energy-efficient. We’ve been serving customers from Humble to Houston, TX, since 2012. You can rely on our competitively priced products and 24/7 emergency services.
So, call us today! We’ll happily share our expertise so you can invest in the right HVAC system.
