High Performance Homes

Heating and Cooling

Total homeowner comfort quickly comes down to the careful selection and sizing of the equipment that will heat and cool the structure. Correct selection and sizing is also the determining factor to reduce utility costs and increase operating efficiency. Bigger is not always better.

Selecting the best alternative from the many available for heating and cooling can be a daunting task. There are many issues and component considerations involved in selection such as available fuel source, distribution mechanisms, equipment options and efficiency. In the end, selection will come down to these:

Gas furnace

Electric heat pump

Hydronic (radiant)

Conventional electric baseboard/furnace

Geothermal heat pumps

Combination systems

Home owners aren't limited to these. There are unconventional methods, in many cases more desirable methods, to heat and cool a home using solar and geothermal options. These may have a higher front end cost, but they recoup that cost and turn into savings vehicles quickly.