HVAC Options for New Home Construction

You’ve picked out the countertops, agonized over paint colors, and meticulously selected every faucet and fixture in your new home. But… did you stop to think about your HVAC system?

Picking out your new heating and cooling system is just as important as every other selection you need to make, possibly even more so. As much as those granite counters will wow your guests, they’re not going to keep you cozy in winter or cool during the sweltering Oregon summer months.

So, let’s dive into the exciting (yes, exciting!) world of HVAC options and how you can make sure your new Happy Valley, home is as comfortable as it is beautiful. Pyramid Heating and Cooling has compiled a list of different HVAC options for new home builds and the pros and cons of each, so you can simplify your decision.

Understanding Your HVAC Needs

Before choosing the right system, you need to understand your new home build’s specific heating and cooling needs. How do you figure that out when you haven’t even moved in yet?

You’ll want to consider things like the square footage, the number of floors, the home’s insulation quality, the number of windows, how much natural light comes in, and even the local climate. All of these aspects will affect the performance of an HVAC system and ultimately can impact which system is best for your new home.

This is where working with a professional HVAC company in Happy Valley, is key. Pyramid Heating and Cooling can help assess your new home build and recommend different HVAC options based on their assessment and your heating and cooling preferences.

Ideally, getting professional feedback on which HVAC system is best for your new home construction should be done prior to breaking ground to ensure there is time and the needed fixtures or space in place for your desired system setup.

New Home Construction HVAC Options

It is important to be aware of what heating and cooling options are available to make an informed decision, so let’s break them down.

Traditional Split Systems

You’re probably familiar with the classic central heating and cooling system, also known as a split system. It consists of an outdoor unit (the condenser or heat pump) and an indoor unit (the furnace or air handler) connected by ducts throughout the house.

It is one of the most common styles of heating and cooling systems that Happy Valley, builders default to when their buyers don’t have a preference.

Now, just because they are common or the default choice does not mean they aren’t a viable option to meet your needs. Let’s compare the pros and cons of this style of heating and cooling for new home builds.

Pros:

• Reliable: These systems have been around for a while, meaning they are trusted and reliable.
• Consistent Comfort: The ductwork ensures air is evenly distributed throughout your home.
• Variety of Options: You can choose from energy-efficient models with smart thermostats and zoned heating/cooling options.

Cons:

• Space-Consuming: Installing ductwork can take up a lot of space. The bulky vents and intakes might not be your favorite feature if you are going for that minimalist aesthetic.
• Energy Loss: Traditional ducted systems can become less energy efficient over time due to leaks or poor insulation in the ductwork.

Ductless Mini Split Systems

If you’re looking for an alternative to a traditional system, consider a ductless mini split system. This type of system doesn’t require ductwork, making it an attractive option for those who prefer a sleeker, less invasive HVAC setup. A ductless heat pump or air conditioner features an outdoor unit and one or more indoor units that are mounted on the wall or ceiling.

Ductless mini splits have been increasing in popularity among new Happy Valley, homeowners due to their sleek appearance and zoning capabilities—and the subsequent energy savings that can result. Review their pros and cons to see if this setup would be an ideal match for your new construction home.

Pros:

• Eco-Friendly: No ducts mean no energy loss due to leaks! Plus, these systems don’t burn fossil fuels and can be equipped to run on solar.
• Customizable: Each indoor unit can be controlled independently, allowing for zone heating and cooling.
• Space-Saving: With no ducts required, the system is ideal for homes with limited installation space or those who want to avoid the hassle of ductwork installation.
• Aesthetic: These systems look modern and high-tech, easily blending with contemporary designs common in new home construction. Plus, many homeowners use custom wraps to blend their systems further with their decor.

Cons:

• Upfront Costs: Mini splits can be more expensive initially than traditional systems.
• Aesthetic: Some people might not love the look of the wall-mounted units, though they do come in sleeker designs now.

Geothermal Systems

Geothermal heating and cooling systems are a top-tier option for those in Oregon who want to go green. These systems use the consistent temperature of the earth to heat and cool your home. They work by circulating water or refrigerant through underground pipes and exchanging heat with the earth.

New construction homes provide the ideal setting for installing geothermal heating and cooling systems since construction is already occurring. This minimizes the interruption an installation could have on property usage.

However, due to the space needed for a geothermal system to be effective, these systems are ideal for homeowners on large lots or with acreage in Oregon.

Pros:

• Energy-Efficient: Per the Department of Energy (DOE), geothermal heat pumps can reduce energy consumption and emissions up to 44% compared to air-source heat pumps and 72% compared to standard air-conditioning equipment.
• Eco-Friendly: Reduce your carbon footprint and lower utility bills at the same time.
• Longevity: Geothermal systems can last for decades with minimal maintenance.

Cons:

• Cost: The initial installation is pricey, largely due to the need to install underground piping. However, the long-term savings on energy bills often make up for this.
• Location Matters: Not all properties are suitable for geothermal systems. You’ll need space for the piping, and the soil quality matters as well. 

Heat Pumps

Heat pumps use electricity to move heat rather than generate it, which makes them highly efficient. In the summer, they work like an air conditioner, pulling heat out of your home, and in the winter, they pull heat into your home from the outside air.

Heat pumps are commonly paired with a secondary unit to create the split system described above, especially in areas with more extreme winters. An HVAC professional with Pyramid Heating and Cooling can help you determine if a stand-alone unit or a split system is better for your new home build.

Pros:

• Efficiency: Heat pumps are much more energy-efficient than traditional condenser systems, especially in moderate climates.
• Dual Purpose: A heat pump can both heat and cool your home, eliminating the need for a separate furnace and air conditioner.
• Lower Utility Bills: Heat pumps can lower your monthly utility bill because they use less energy.

Cons:

• Less Effective in Cold Climates: Heat pumps may struggle to maintain warmth in areas with harsh winters unless you opt for a higher end cold-climate heat pump.
• Upfront Costs: While energy savings are a bonus, heat pumps can be more expensive to install.

Boilers

Looking for an alternative to a forced-air system? Enter the boiler—a classic yet reliable option that provides radiant heat through a network of pipes and radiators. Instead of blowing hot air, boilers heat water, which is then circulated throughout your home to keep things warm and cozy.

Choosing the right system setup can make all the difference in your home’s comfort and efficiency. Contact the HVAC professionals at Pyramid Heating and Cooling to explore which cooling options best complement a boiler system.

Pros:

• Even Heating: Boilers provide gentle, consistent heat throughout your home. No more chilly spots or bursts of hot air.
• Quiet Operation: Boilers don’t rely on fans, so they run quietly—perfect for those who value peace and quiet.
• Energy Efficiency: Modern boilers are highly efficient, especially when paired with radiant floor heating systems, reducing energy consumption and heating costs.

Cons:

• No Cooling: Boilers only provide heat, so you’ll need a separate air conditioning system for cooling in the summer.
• Longer Heating Time: Since boilers rely on heating and circulating water, they can take longer to warm a room than a forced-air system.
• Installation Costs: Installing a boiler can be more complex (and expensive), particularly if your new home build was not initially designed for one.

Air Handlers

If you opt for a heat pump or split system, you’ll need an air handler to circulate conditioned air throughout your home. Air handlers work hand-in-hand with your HVAC system, distributing heated or cooled air through the ductwork to keep your home at the perfect temperature.

Investing a call to Pyramid Heating and Cooling can help you decipher when to pair systems for optimal home comfort.

Pros:

• Versatility: Air handlers can be paired with various HVAC systems, including heat pumps, to improve air distribution and overall system efficiency.
• Indoor Air Quality: Many air handlers come equipped with filtration systems, helping to improve indoor air quality by removing dust, allergens, and other particles.
• Customization: Some models allow for multi-speed fans, giving you better control over airflow and temperature.

Cons:

• Ductwork Required: Air handlers rely on ductwork like traditional split systems, so installation is required before your new home is finished.
• Energy Use: While efficient, air handlers still consume electricity, and poorly insulated ducts can lead to energy loss.
• Cost: Depending on the model, air handlers can add to your overall HVAC costs, particularly if you’re upgrading to a high-efficiency unit.

Zoned HVAC Systems

Zoned control systems are a game-changer for those who are tired of constantly adjusting the thermostat or vents to achieve the perfect temperature in different parts of the house. By using dampers in the ductwork, you can control the temperature in individual rooms or zones on individualized thermostats.

These systems are ideal for maintaining specific temperatures in rooms designed as indoor greenhouses, photo processing rooms, reptile enclosures, or other specialty uses, minimizing wasted heating or cooling in unused bedrooms, or maintaining different temperatures across levels.

Pros:

• Personalized Comfort: Set different temperatures for different areas, ensuring no one in your family is too hot or too cold.
• Energy Savings: Only heating or cooling the areas you use reduces energy waste.
• Smart Controls: Many zoned systems integrate with smart thermostats, allowing you to control them remotely via your smartphone and through automated learning.

Cons:

• Complex Installation: Setting up a zoned system can be a bit more involved since it requires additional ductwork and dampers.
• Cost: It’s more expensive than a basic system, but the energy savings and comfort can make it worthwhile.

High-Efficiency Furnaces

Furnaces provide reliable warmth, especially in colder climates, and with high-efficiency options available, you can enjoy lower utility costs. Like heat pumps, these systems can be installed as stand-alone heating units or as part of a traditional split system.

Choosing the right size and fuel source, such as gas, electric, or oil, ensures your furnace will meet your home’s specific needs while offering long-term savings and comfort.

How efficiently a furnace converts fuel into energy is measured in AFUE (annual fuel utilization efficiency). Electric furnaces have an AFUE of 100 percent, meaning all the fuel is converted into heat. High-efficiency gas furnaces have an AFUE rating of 90 percent or higher, meaning 90 percent (or more) of the fuel source is converted into heat.

Choosing a high-efficiency furnace can greatly affect your home’s energy consumption—an estimated lifetime savings of $1,094 to $1,329.

Review these pros and cons of high-efficiency furnaces to provide insight into your HVAC evaluation. Pyramid Heating and Cooling is here for you if you have any questions about these systems or whether they’d work best for your new construction home.

Pros:

• Lower Energy Bills: High-efficiency furnaces can save you significant amounts of money on your heating bills.
• Eco-Friendly: They produce fewer emissions than standard furnaces, making them a greener option.
• Quiet Operation: Many high-efficiency models are designed to run quietly.

Cons:

• Upfront Cost: Like most high-efficiency systems, you’ll pay more initially, but the energy savings can balance that out over time.

Final Thoughts: Choose Wisely!

As you select the finishing touches for your new home, remember your HVAC system. It’s easy to get swept up in the aesthetics of your new home’s design, but comfort and efficiency are just as important!

Whether you choose a traditional split system, a cutting-edge geothermal setup, or something in between, investing in the right HVAC option will make your new home feel just as good as it looks!

When you need help deciding or wish to learn more about a specific type of HVAC system, contact the pros at Pyramid Heating and Cooling. Our experience in Happy Valley, OR, and installing systems in new home construction and long-standing homes has provided us with valuable insight we would be happy to share with you. Call 503-783-8488 or request service online.