Ask unconventional questions.

Step 7

The first is, “What did you do beyond the building code to make this home healthy?” You want to hear that the builder used materials that are low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Next, ask for an estimated energy bill so you can see the financial impact. You can also inquire about the builder’s awards and certifications.

Study the HVAC return.

Step 6

If allergies are a concern, locate the HVAC return to check the home's air filtration equipment. A high-quality air filter, like the MERV 13 that comes standard in all Meritage homes, is critical for reducing bacteria, pet dander, dust, and even some viral particles in the home’s air.

Don’t stop there, though — there might be more filtration equipment in place. Unlike some other homes, Meritage homes have a fresh air management filtration system, which is separate from the furnace filter, and they’re sealed to keep pollen and pollutants out while allowing fresh air in.

Find the air conditioning unit.

Step 5

Notice the size, because there's often a direct correlation: the bigger the air conditioner, the worse the interior insulation tends to be. “If there are big – or multiple – boxes, the house was poorly built, so big AC units were needed to compensate,” Stahl says.

Additionally, you should ask whether the unit is single-speed or multispeed. A multispeed HVAC system like Meritage installs in every new home is designed to automatically shift gears to run at the right speed to maintain a comfy temperature and save you on energy costs.

Feel the difference with the new, highly-efficient, multispeed HVAC systems.

Step 4

In new communities and homes, look for the highly-efficient multispeed Carrier® HVAC systems. A multispeed system typically has at least two speeds and is designed to run at a lower or higher setting to adjust the temperature, helping homeowners save energy and money. For a better picture, imagine you’re driving a vehicle and you floor the accelerator. You’re asking the engine to run at full speed. It’s loud, every part of the engine is moving at full capacity and you’re using more gas. That’s similar to how a single-speed HVAC system functions. The thermostat calls for heating or cooling and the system kicks on — at full speed.

Listen for outside noise.

Smart-Buy Tip 3

If it’s quiet outside, blast music on your phone, leave it outside and then close the door. Evaluate how much noise you can hear. This isn’t just a noise test; it also reveals how air moves in and out of the house. Noise, after all, is transported through the air.

“If the sound doesn’t change much, run out of the house,” Stahl says. “Air can leak in and out easily, bringing with it pollen, dust, humidity, bugs.” But if it feels like you’re in a sound studio, the home has quality framing, insulation and windows — and is a healthier home in general. Especially for those who have allergies.

Touch the windows.

Smart-Buy Tip 2

Put your hand against the sunniest one in the house. A cool window indicates that it’s higher quality, so it won’t let in heat or furniture-fading UV rays. “There are two main elements to a window: the U-factor, which measures heat transfer, and reflectance, which determines the amount of UV rays a window lets in,” Stahl explains. “A cool window is superior in both of these elements. If the window feels hot, it’s the opposite.”

Check the temperature.

Smart-Buy Tip 1

If it changes when you’re wandering around the house — like in many older homes — the house isn’t well insulated, Stahl says. Plus, you could be spending about 50% more on heating and cooling. If the temperature is the same in all directions and between floors, it will be more comfortable year-round. “A better-insulated home will also be more durable because it brings in less humidity that can degrade the structure of the house,” Stahl says.