The Best Residential HVAC Systems for Efficiency and Comfort

As a leading custom home builder in North Idaho, Aspen Homes understands the unique challenges the region’s climate poses. With temperatures occasionally plummeting below zero in winter and soaring beyond 100 degrees in the summer, a reliable and efficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is not just a luxury but a necessity. Here are some considerations for selecting an HVAC system that delivers both energy efficiency and year-round comfort.

Designing for Efficiency

Our commitment to energy-efficient homes has to begin at the design phase. We integrate modern, energy-efficient construction techniques, including robust insulation, energy-saving appliances, eaves, porches, and entrances that provide shade in summer and divert snow away from the house in winter, glazed and multi-paned windows, and thoughtful lighting design. Ensuring a tight home envelope is crucial to retaining conditioned air, whether heated or cooled, and contributes significantly to long-term energy savings and comfort.

HVAC System Selection

Selecting the right HVAC system is critical in achieving optimal energy efficiency and comfort. Two primary types of distribution systems—forced air and hot water—come into play. Forced air systems, using ducts to bring warm air to vents throughout the house, are popular for their affordability and versatility. Ducted systems can deliver both heated and cooled air; they are the most common HVAC systems available. 

Forced air systems are usually powered by natural gas or electricity, and they are a popular and economical choice. However, maintenance and safety precautions are crucial; ducts should be cleaned regularly for efficient operation and to reduce the risk of fires. 

One complaint against using forced air systems is that they can create uneven zones of heated and cooled air in a home. Consequently, when designing a home, paying attention to the placement of the vents and air returns is critical to provide even heating and cooling. Further, pay attention to vent placement to ensure it will not interfere with planned furniture placement or near drapes or electrical cords. In homes with vaulted ceilings, it is essential to determine how vents will affect air circulation so that most of the heated or cooled air reaches areas where it provides the most benefit to the occupants.

Hot water or hydronic heating systems offer more even heating with radiant heat flooring. There are several types of radiant heat floor heating systems, some of which can be installed under tile or other flooring. However, a typical radiant system uses a boiler to heat water, which circulates through pipes under the floor. Radiant systems often have the advantage of not creating warm and cold spots in the home, and you can create different zones, meaning you do not need to consume energy heating unused rooms. Radiant heat systems are silent and unseen, and they are an attractive option for those with stone or tile floors, as these ordinarily cold materials will feel warm on bare feet during the winter.

In addition to these whole-house systems, many people may also install wood stoves, pellet stoves, or fireplaces in their homes. These are utilized more for ambiance than effective house heating. Still, you might be grateful for their heat during a power outage!

However, there are also whole-house heating systems that use wood to fuel a furnace or boiler. Modern wood-burning systems are very efficient, but they require keeping a supply of good firewood on hand. Like fireplaces, these systems have the advantage of not making you dependent on a utility company or fuel supply company to heat your home – just a good firewood supplier or a chainsaw and a nearby forest! Regular maintenance and awareness of fire hazards are vital for safe operation.

Even less common are systems that utilize geothermal heating and cooling. These systems use the heat and cold from underground to provide the source of warm or cold air to condition your home. Although considered environmentally friendly, they still require powering pumps to move the heated or cooled air to the surface. These systems are generally costly to install and require disturbing your property. Costs vary significantly depending on how far you need to drill and what you need to drill through – rock, clay, or soft earth. For some people, however, the extra up-front effort and expense are worth it, and you can expect your heating and cooling costs after that initial investment to be low compared to many other types of HVAC systems.

Taking Multiple Factors Into Account

At Aspen Homes, we work with our custom home clients to build homes that are beautiful, functional, and comfortable in every way. A significant factor in the comfort of a home is ensuring that the HVAC system does an excellent job of controlling the temperature levels, especially here in North Idaho. There are many ways to achieve that end, including some methods not mentioned here, such as utilizing a ductless system or adding a whole-house fan. 

If you are planning a custom home, we encourage you to speak to experienced HVAC contractors who are familiar with different types of systems. You should evaluate their advantages and disadvantages for your home, taking into account budget, lifestyle, home layout, and even your interests in technological and ecological issues. Be sure to speak with other homeowners who have used these systems to benefit from their experiences and feedback. Your custom home represents a significant investment, and it is critical for you to be happy with it for many years. 

When you work with Aspen Homes, you can be confident that we will pay attention to every detail; we do not adopt a cookie-cutter approach to any of our projects. While we are pleased to offer recommendations on HVAC systems, we invite you to explore your options. If you are looking for a custom home builder in North Idaho, please contact Aspen Homes. We would love the opportunity to turn your dream home into reality.