If you're heavily involved in a new home build, you have some serious planning and research ahead. As you design the building from the ground up, one of the key questions you need to ask yourself is how you are going to heat and cool it, in the typically diverse Australian climate. Have you considered ducted, reverse cycle heating and cooling options? How could they work for you?
Long-Term Value
Undoubtedly, one of the key factors involved in making a "big-ticket" item purchase is the cost. Certainly, a ducted, reverse cycle system may cost more in the beginning, but it will usually give you better value for money in the long term.
Better Look
For example, once installed, this type of system can work in every room of the house and you won't have to rely on single, wall units. The vents are typically unobtrusive and are therefore aesthetically superior to the alternative.
Maintenance
Wall mounted units will usually wear out more quickly and ducted systems are relatively low maintenance, adding to the value of their investment in the long term. From an energy efficiency perspective, the heat pump included in this type of system is far superior, helping you to save money during the winter months.
Resale Value
If you think well into the future (when it's time to sell the home), how will a prospective new buyer look at this situation? They are more likely to be impressed by the ducted system than the individual wall unit alternative.
Year-Round Simplicity
Remember, you can use a ducted, reverse cycle system all year round and won't need to think about a separate system simply for those cooler months. This means that you will have less clutter on the rooftop and fewer ducts around the floor or ceiling of each room.
Zoning out
Furthermore, you will be able to work with the installation technicians to design a layout that will give optimum performance in the home. In this way, you will be able to create different "zones" where you can heat or cool independently, using thermostatic control. You can pre-programme all of this for total efficiency and make sure that each member of the household is perfectly comfortable, no matter where they may be in the building. With wall units, you have very little choice and simply have to "put up" with what you've got.
Making the Right Decision
Have a word with your installer at the earliest planning stage, so that you can design your home to be a haven for all involved, no matter what the weather throws at you.