What HVAC system should I choose for a new construction house?
Choosing between options like heat pumps, regular AC units, and multi-stage furnaces for a new home build can be overwhelming without professional guidance. Homeowners are often left unsure which equipment makes sense for their specific region and climate, making it difficult to decide on a reliable setup.
What people tried
Every workaround mentioned in the threads below. We haven’t tested any of them — and nobody here is claiming they worked.
Found another way around this?
Share your steps and trade-offs so fellow engineers don't have to reinvent the wheel. No account required.
- 1Consulting multiple HVAC contractors for conflicting opinionsDid this help you?
- 2Keeping the existing tonnage based on past performanceDid this help you?
- 3Paying for a Manual J heat load calculationDid this help you?
- 4Getting multiple contractor quotesDid this help you?
- 5Researching equipment compatibility and efficiency stage benefits onlineDid this help you?
- 6Running a B-vent up through a new interior chase to the roofDid this help you?
- 7Adding power vents to the existing heating equipmentDid this help you?
- 8Upgrading to a new high-efficiency tankless boiler and water heaterDid this help you?
- 9Building around the existing chimney instead of removing itDid this help you?
- 10Inviting salespeople over to give a pitch just to figure out what questions to ask.Did this help you?
- 11Trying to self-educate on ductwork design and system sizing.Did this help you?
- 12Relying on offhand advice from technicians performing routine maintenance on existing units.Did this help you?
In their words
Unedited, grouped by where they were said, most upvoted first within each place, each linked to the thread it came from.
“Not exactly sure what makes most sense for my situation, would really appreciate it if you could dumb it down for a simpleton consumer”source ↗
“The only notable thing is that the AC seems to run quite a lot throughout the summer, which I assumed was normal for Florida.”source ↗
“I am new to heat pumps and was hoping to get some suggestions.”source ↗
“I live in New England and am looking to replace my ac and gas furnace. I was quoted $11,000 ( after rebates) for a dual system with bosch cold climate heat pump and run tru 80% single stage gas furnace.”source ↗
“Are bosch heat pumps good?”source ↗
“Is bosch with run tru furnace a good combo?”source ↗
“I was also reading about how I would not get the most benefit from the heat pump if I used a single stage gas furnace. Should I ask for a quote to upgrade to a trane 80% 2 stage gas furnace? I'm expecting that to be an extra $2k. Is it worth it?”source ↗
“need to figure out what HVAC set up makes the most sense.”source ↗
“The gas boiler and gas water heater currently vent through the masonry chimney which will be going away with the addition of the 2nd floor.”source ↗
“One downside is that we'd have to accommodate a chase for the vent which means a second floor wall would have to get thicker in a certain spot.”source ↗
“What sounds like the best way to go?”source ↗
“I've never encountered HVAC sales people before or purchased a new furnace. Any thoughts on what to look out for, questions to ask, or any option on adding HVAC to an addition.”source ↗
“Ive been trying to educate myself regarding the duct work design, but I can tell I'm over my head still.”source ↗