There are a few must-haves when thinking about HVAC systems for new homes:
- Ductwork needs to be carefully planned and fabricated properly from materials that will last
- The system needs to be appropriately sized – not over or under powered
- You should be cognizant of where condenser units and blowers will be mounted (keep in mind ease of filter replacement)
People building new homes sometimes forget how noisy HVAC units can be. Newer models may run quieter, but if the condenser unit is sitting right outside or above your master bedroom, you'll still probably hear it kick on throughout the night, which isn't ideal.
Where ductwork and air supply registers are placed can also be an eye sore if they're not properly thought out ahead of time. One of the benefits of getting a new home built, especially a custom home, is you have more flexibility with how you lay out ductwork and vents for maximum performance and minimum aesthetic impact. The amount of attic and outdoor space your home has can also impact placement and how noticeable ductwork and vents are.
YOUR BUDGET
How much you plan on spending will play a significant role in what type of HVAC system you ultimately decide on having installed. Depending on the size of your new home you could end up spending between $11,000 and $16,000 on new HVAC system and ductwork design and installation.
HVAC units can vary a lot in price, with Amana/Goodman, Bryant, Coleman and Rheem offering some of the lowest prices and brands like York and Trane representing some of the more expensive units. Most of those companies offer a number of units at different price points, so if you want a specific brand chances are you can find a model in your preferred price range.
The cost of ductwork is often calculated by linear feet, with prices ranging from about $25 to $60 per foot. A typical home may require 30 to 90 linear feet of ductwork.
TIME REQUIRED FOR HVAC INSTALLATION IN A NEW BUILD
On a new home build an HVAC team may need anywhere from three to seven days to install an HVAC system and ductwork. Replacing an HVAC unit on an existing home that already has adequate ductwork generally takes a single days or two days at the most. How long your job takes depends on a number of factors, such as house size, the complexity of ductwork or unit installation and placement hurdles.
HEAT PUMPS, AIR CONDITIONERS, FURNACES OR DUCTLESS?
Rockville residents, and really anyone in the Washington, DC metro area, has the somewhat unenviable position of experiencing frequently cold winters and relatively warm and humid summers. Our high temperatures don't usually rival those experienced further south, but they can get sticky. The winters aren't as frigid as they can be in the Northeast or Midwest, but they can still get cold.
Some Rockville homeowners get adequate performance from heat pumps for both heating and cooling, but many people choose to install furnace and AC combos. Homeowners can also go with a mix of heat pumps and ductless options for supplemental heating or cooling in underserved rooms.
New home builds are often unique, and the temperature preferences of the homeowners can vary greatly. You might also have energy efficiency goals for your new home. You'll pay a bit more for the more efficient high SEER rated systems, but your utility bills could be lower.
How much your energy costs will be reduced by an efficient HVAC system depends on:
- The quality of your ducts and home sealing
- The insulation value of your home
- The quality of your windows
- Your temperature preferences
You can get an energy efficient system, but if you want your home to be 65 degrees every night during summer, you'll probably end up spending more on utilities than someone with a less efficient unit who leaves their home at 75.
PROPER SIZING
The capacity of your furnace, AC or heat pump units will be measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units). One BTU is essentially the amount of energy required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree.
From a cooling standpoint you'll need roughly 5,000 BTU for 100 to 150 sq. ft., 6,000 BTU for 150 to 250 sq. ft. and so on. A home that's between 1,500 and 2,000 sq. ft. will probably require about 30,000 BTU of cooling.
GET A FREE HVAC INSTALLATION DESIGN AND INSTALLATION ESTIMATE
If you're looking for a reliable HVAC partner in Prince George's County or Montgomery County to recommend, design and install a great, efficient HVAC system in a new home build, Vito Services is the company to call. Our Rockville-based heating, cooling and plumbing company has been in the business since 1934, and we're proud to have earned the trust of thousands of customers throughout the DMV.
Schedule your free installation consultation by calling 1-800-GET-VITO ( 301-315-6100 ).
