When it comes to choosing mechanical systems, most builders tend to stick with what they are accustomed to. In some cases, however, they may be overlooking systems that will provide better comfort and convenience. Here, I will describe the range of options and a systematic way to approach them. To Cool or Not to Cool The fundamental climate-control decision in a house is whether or not to air condition, either now or later. Since cooling is expensive and energy intensive, you should always design the house to minimize the need for cooling. If you need to cool more than one or two rooms, it pays to install whole-house AC, then seal up the house and keep the cooling
