Shoulder season in Alabama is approaching, and that means your air conditioning and heating system might be running at max capacity during the same 24 hours! Blistering hot afternoons and very cool nights frequent the Rocket City throughout autumn. It’s important to think about what you want to keep you comfortable in your home.

Here’s a great list of the heating and cooling features that Trailhead offers:

 

1. Fireplaces

Does anyone else immediately get “chestnuts roasting on an open fire” in their heads when thinking about fireplaces? There’s nothing like a warm, cozy fire to snuggle up by with a cup of your favorite warm beverage. Depending on what you use in your fireplace, these can be a green option to keep your house toasty this winter!

With Trailhead’s custom plans, you have the option to select a floor plan with a fireplace. A hearth just seems to make a home more inviting and creates a space for family and friends to gather. Trailhead offers the opportunity to make your space as inviting as you’d like—whatever that looks like to you.

2. Windows

Windows can either be a gift or a curse when trying to heat and cool your house; it all depends on quality. Quality windows will keep the heat in during the winter, the heat out during the summer, and visa-versa for the winter. There are a variety of window characteristics that can help this, including size, number of panes, and frame material.

Trailhead windows are vinyl single-hung Low-E style windows. Ok, let’s talk in English, right? These are standard windows, where the bottom part slides up and down and the top is fixed. These windows are energy efficient, easy to replace if necessary, and super durable! We’re happy to report that these windows are certainly a gift and will enable your house to stay at whatever temperature you desire.

3. Insulation

Insulation is another huge factor in keeping your home cold, hot, and just generally cost-efficient. Putting insulation in your attic is supposed to be one of the most straightforward ways to make sure your HVAC isn’t having to work overtime. In Trailhead homes, there is R30 blown insulation in the attic, which is fantastic for hot climates.

To boot, Trailhead offers the option to include foil face OSB roof decking and garage insulation. Foil face insulation reflects the sun’s heat before it even enters your attic, which lets that insulation do an even better job of keeping you cool in the summer! Garage insulation is another option found in the Trailhead homes—perfect for the crafter, car enthusiast, or woodworker.

 

4. HVAC System

Of course, your HVAC system is the one pulling the real weight around here. HVAC systems that are energy efficient, affordable, and easy to fix are a must-have in today’s world. Trailhead currently includes a 14 seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) heat pump as part of the standard home package. This type of HVAC system checks all the boxes!

A 14 SEER heat pump is one of the most popular options available today. These systems are 20-30% more efficient than the systems seen in the early 2000s, which were rated at an 8 or 9 SEER. These new systems use just a fraction of the electricity that these older machines needed, which helps your house and your wallet.

5. Smart Thermostats

We love a smart thermostat. They’re programmable, so you can cut down on costs when you’re not at home. They’re sleek-looking and add a touch of elegance when changing your home’s temperature. And, they’re easy to change from afar, when you’re on vacation, headed home from work early, or even from the comfort of your own bed on your phone.

Trailhead offers the option to include this trendy and energy-efficient feature on any floor plan. This small but very impactful upgrade can elevate your home’s overall comfort level. These smart thermostats can even tell you when your HVAC isn’t functioning correctly!

Did you see a hot trend or something cool that you liked?

Our houses, bungalows, condos (coming soon), and apartments (coming soon) have a myriad of options that enable you to tailor-make the home of your dreams. Give us a call at 423.280.7630 or email us at amy.shulman@legacy-homes.com to chat about joining our community.