Frequent readers will pick up on a pattern, Garbett Homes’ green home building methods and standards are mostly driven by energy efficiency. Which is absolutely by intention and design; the reduction of energy usage controls so much of what we can do to help you reduce your carbon footprint when operating your home. Which is why we are proud to introduce you to the next feature in future Garbett Homes communities that will help our homes do more for your modern green home needs. Starting with The Mill most of our new Garbett Homes communities will have their heating and cooling needs met by Heat Pumps.
…What are Heat Pumps?
Cool! Both figuratively and literally that’s what they are. Utilizing the existing warm air in and around the home, heat pumps move hot air where you want it to be. Home too cold? Heat pumps will take heat from the outside air and move it into the home. Home too hot? Heat pumps will remove the hot air from outside the home leaving you with nice, refreshing cooled air inside the home. With higher energy efficiency than most traditional HVAC systems can offer.
You’re Already Very Efficient, Why Switch?
Garbett Homes does not take pleasure in resting on its laurels. As the effects and realities of what we will face from climate change become more and more real, we at Garbett Homes feel it is our duty to respond with features that will keep our homebuyers safer, comfier, healthier, and less impactful on the environment. Heat pumps are the next upgrade Garbett is making to their arsenal to ensure our homes are the greenest new homes in the state of Utah.
How Does This Help Me Really?
How do lower utility bills sound? When properly operated and maintained heat pumps help keep your home at a steady temperature for longer amounts of time using less energy. Add those factors to our industry leading high-efficiency windows, use of blown-in insulation, and you get an equation that equals a utility bill lower than most comparable new homes. Good for the environment and good for your wallet!
Two Things to be Aware Of.
As with any new technology there are some things about heat pumps that are different from traditional HVAC systems that might be disconcerting at first. We just wanted to take a moment on this blog to make you aware of two attributes, vent feel and unit operation. When the heat pump is in operation the air coming out of the vents might feel cooler than you would expect. This is due to the efficiency of the operation and the nature of how the air is being brought into the home. Rest assured your home is still being heated, the HVAC system just doesn’t have to work as hard to make that happen. The second thing is that Heat Pumps look like traditional AC units that are slightly raised off the ground. This means that if you are outside while your heat pump is in operation it might look like your AC unit is running, rest assured if your home is at a comfortable temperature it is not the AC, it is just the heat pump.
Garbett Homes prides themselves on building better without being required to do so. We are the first homebuilder in Utah to adopt new building standards before they become required by local ordinances. Heat Pumps are just one more way that our homes do more. If you’re still not convinced, come check out our model home at The Mill and feel the heat pump in action for yourself starting on October 22nd. If you’re in the market for a new home and want to learn more please make an appointment by contacting our new home specialist! (801) 396-9095 & janie@garbetthomes.com