In the past five years, digital electronics have invaded the home. Programmable thermostats have led the way, with occupancy sensors, infrared security alarms and motion detectors following quickly. Several new communications technologies are also emerging; in the works are interactive television, video telephones and high-speed Internet access. Boost Capacity Most modern homes will benefit from the installation of 200-amp service, rather than a standard 100-amp box. Additional service capacity costs slightly more up front, but it enables you to run dozens of devices without overloading circuit breakers or causing brownouts. Use Better Cabling By using shielded cables and high-capacity telephone data wires, you can improve the quality and speed of the signals your equipment can send or receive. Wire For Sound Almost every new technology puts high demands on wiring. By adding extra runs of wire and cable, you provide conduits that can be used to automate your home as you grow older, or bring global information to your children. Electrify Your Yard It may seem a bit premature to talk about landscaping, but if you ever want to conveniently power an electric lawnmower or install outdoor lighting, now is the time to install outdoor wiring. HVAC: It’s About Control Your home’s heating; ventilation and air conditioning system has a tough assignment. It must reconcile indoor and outdoor temperature, humidity and air quality without making a lot of noise or costing a lot of money. A good system will keep you and your family safe, healthy and comfortable. And it will go a long way in protecting your investment. There are several options in heating systems; here’s a list of those you may be considering and a few hallmarks of good installation practices for each. Forced Warm Air Forced-air furnaces cost less than most other heating systems and are relatively easy to install, if you don’t count time spent agonizing over duct placement. However, technicians frequently install new furnaces without enough access to outside air for combustion despite codes written to prevent this. In tight houses, the furnace borrows oxygen from its immediate environment, resulting in depressurization and back-drafting. The result is toxic combustion gases are pulled into living areas. Unless your furnace will be located in an outbuilding, be sure to inquire about fresh-air sourcing. Hydronic Systems Used both in radiant loops installed beneath flooring and in exposed radiators, water-based heating systems generate warm, even heat. In very cold climates, however, the water can freeze during a pro-longed power failure, resulting in burst pipes and flooding. Because of this, these systems should be filled with anti-freeze based liquid. You can also add a simple valve that allows you to drain all pipes when you leave on vacation. For even more security, a small, self starting generator can keep the system up and running during occasional power outages. Electric Radiant Systems Buried in a slab or lightweight concrete bed, radiant systems warm floors, which in turn warm your rooms. Before the concrete is poured over the cables, however, make sure each circuit is checked individually. It’s much easier to make repairs at that point than later, when a technician will need a jackhammer for the job. Central Cooling Central air conditioning is a good partner to a forced warm-air heating system because both can use the same ducts for circulating the treated air. However, your HVAC installer should specify a blower unit on your furnace that can also handle your home’s cooling load, even if you don’t plan on installing central air conditioning right away. Ventilation Equipment Increasing evidence shows that tight homes need mechanical ventilation to prevent unhealthy accumulations of pollutants and moisture. Whether you specify a heat recovery ventilator, a whole-house fan or some other system, be sure to ask for a unit with high efficiency, low annual operating costs and a quiet fan. Dedicated Mechanical Rooms As plumbing, electrical and HVAC systems become more complex, dedicated mechanical rooms make good sense. A technician can troubleshoot or repair two or three related mechanical problems while standing in a comfortable, well lit space far more effectively than one who must work in a series of dark basement corners. If you do specify a special room for mechanicals, be sure to install a smoke alarm—a commonsense measure where fuel-burning and electrical equipment are concentrated. For a few extra dollars, you can add an extra layer of drywall to give the room a better fire rating.