7) Choosing Whether to Install an Electric Heat Pump or Gas Furnace
If installing a natural gas furnace is an option for your new home, you and your contractor will have to work together to determine how to most effectively and efficiently heat your home. Asheville experiences all four seasons, but temperatures only drop below freezing 90 times per year. Nevertheless, lows can dip as low as 10 degrees below zero.
Heat Pump Pros
- Heat Pumps are Versatile: Electricity is available almost anywhere, so you do not have to rely on finding land where natural gas lines exist.
- No Carbon Monoxide: There is virtually zero risk of your heat pump causing carbon monoxide to invade your home.
- Energy Efficiency: Newer, multi-stage heat pump systems are efficient for your energy bills and have relatively low environmental impact.
Heat Pump Cons:
- Longevity: Heat pump units do not last as long as natural gas furnaces.
- Weather: When temperatures dip below freezing, especially into the teens and single digits, your home may require supplemental heat. In higher elevations, where temperatures regularly fall and remain below freezing for several days, you may consider installing a wood stove with your heat pump.
- Noise and Maintenance: Heat pumps require regular maintenance; otherwise, they can run loud and interrupt your lifestyle.
Natural Gas Furnace Pros:
- Weather: Natural gas furnace heating can generally keep up with the demands of western North Carolina.
- Multi-stage Heating: Furnaces generally burn at three or more stages, depending on the demands of your system.
- Longevity: Furnaces generally enjoy longer lifespans than heat pumps, up to 33% longer in fact.
Natural Gas Furnace Cons:
- Safety and Fire: The potential for fire is greater with natural gas furnaces. Though there are numerous safety measures employed, heating the air with flames raises the fire-risk over heat pump systems.
- Carbon Monoxide: It is important to install carbon monoxide detectors, if you are heating your home with a furnace.
- Energy Efficiency: Natural gas furnaces are generally less efficiency than heat pump units and have higher environmental impact.
The key to ensuring your home's heat is working as effectively as possible is that all its systems are working together to maximize efficiency. Your residential general contractor can help you determine which system will be best for you and your family's needs.
8) Geological Issues and Grading Challenges
In the mountains, land is rarely flat and easily graded. Many of the hills surrounding the Asheville area feature significant bedrock just below the topsoil. It is important to work with an experienced contractor who understands the challenges and possibilities of grading in western North Carolina’s difficult terrain.
9) Building and Maintaining an Energy Efficient Home
Temperatures in Asheville can be as high as 100 degrees during summer, and dip as low as 10 degrees below zero. Depending on your home’s elevation, there can be even greater temperature disparity. Building an energy efficient home is key to keeping energy costs low during extreme temperature fluctuations.
Our advice to you is to choose a residential general contractor with experience building beautiful, energy efficient homes in the Asheville area. Legacy Contracting knows the challenges of building in Asheville, and we can help you build your dream home in the mountains. Contact us for more information.