How to Choose the Right HVAC System For Your New Home

By Geoffrey Sperring

September 30, 2024

Tired of being hot and sweaty or cold and miserable in your home? Whether you're buying a new build, building yourself or moving into a house that needs a residential HVAC upgrade, this new HVAC guide is for you.

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How to Choose a New HVAC System: Regional Considerations

When evaluating a heating and cooling system for your home, it's crucial to consider where you live and your climate zone. Questions to ask include whether your winters are mild or severe and if summers are hot, humid or dry. These are key factors to consider when choosing the best HVAC unit, as they may affect the efficiency and effectiveness of the home HVAC system.

Energy-Efficiency Ratings

It's best to choose an HVAC unit with high energy-efficiency ratings. Although these are slightly more expensive, they're cheaper to run.

Annual fuel utilization efficiency. The AFUE is a measure of the annual efficiency of a furnace or boiler related to the fossil fuel consumed, or more correctly, its carbon footprint. The higher the AFUE, the better.
Seasonal energy efficiency ratio. SEER measures the seasonal air conditioning efficiency of split-system central air conditioners. It's calculated as the ratio of the total heat removed divided by the total electrical energy consumed. Higher is better, and mandatory standards apply.
Energy-efficiency rating. This measures an air conditioner's efficiency. EER is the ratio of the cooling capacity of the unit in BTU per hour divided by the input power in watts. The greater the value, the better the air conditioner.

What Types of Cooling Systems Are Options for My New Home?

There are three main types of air conditioning systems on the market.

Central Air Conditioners

A central air conditioner has an outdoor unit with an AC compressor and condenser and an internal air handler housing the evaporator coil. These types are suitable for most homes, and they're particularly recommended for homes in the hot and humid southeastern regions of the country. They're effective for controlling humidity and deliver good indoor air quality because they have filters to remove dust and other particles from the air.

Ductless Air Conditioners

With ductless systems, each room has an individual AC unit. Usually called a split system, they have an external compressor unit and an internal air handler mounted on the wall or ceiling. Ductless mini splits are a variant with two or more internal AC units powered by one external compressor. Ductless systems work well in all climates. They're a good alternative for rooms that are difficult to heat, home extensions and homes without central air conditioning.

Evaporative Coolers

This is a ventilation and air conditioning solution that works best in hot and dry climates. Also called swamp coolers, they blow the air through pads saturated with water. The airflow causes the water to evaporate, and as it does, its temperature drops by 15 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit, cooling the house.

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What Types of Heating Systems Are Options for My New Home?

You can heat your home in several ways, either as part of an HVAC system or using a separate heating system.

Furnace

A furnace is usually used with an air handler and ducts and vents for whole home heating. Common fuels include natural gas, propane and oil. Furnaces are good for heating homes in cold climates. In larger homes, you may need insulated ducts to minimize heat loss.

Boiler or Baseboard Heating

This form of heating uses a hot water boiler and baseboards fitted with finned copper piping. Working on the same principle as radiators, baseboards are discreet and good for heating homes in cold climates. As with ducted heating, you may need to insulate the water distribution piping in larger homes.

Heat Pump

A heat pump is an air conditioner running in reverse. Heat pumps are efficient and, depending on local utility prices, more economical than a gas furnace. Cold climate models work well down to zero degrees Fahrenheit, and most units have supplementary electric heaters.

In-Floor Heating

In-floor radiant heating uses electric heating cables or hot water pipes installed under the floor. It's remarkably effective. Installation entails lifting the floors, so it's best done during construction or as part of a major remodel. This type of heating is suitable for all climates and homes.

Combined Heating and Cooling Systems

Many homes have combined heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems based around an air handler and ducts. For new construction, this is often the best HVAC system, as it's easy to install and highly effective. Systems consist of a heating furnace located adjacent to, or as part of, the air handler and a central air conditioning unit for cooling. An alternative solution is using a heat pump for cooling and heating.

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