High-Performance Systems Contribute to Comfort and Wellness at Home
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Connected HVAC systems built for durability at VISION House SHAWOOD.
While homebuyers have always wanted to understand the financial worth of their homes, the traditional way of looking at value was price per square foot. But today’s buyers understand that resilience, durability and long-term operating costs are much more important than the size of their home.
Green Builder Media’s COGNITION Smart Data surveys found that every generation of buyers pays more attention to sustainable homeownership than upfront cost. In one survey, more than half of respondents (53%) said they always consider long-term costs such as energy, maintenance and insurance when making decisions about buying, building or remodeling a home.
At VISION House SHAWOOD at Deerlake Ranch in Chatsworth, Calif., a project by Green Builder Media and SHAWOOD, a division of the Japan-based Sekisui House, the partners and participants are leaning into the concept of value per square foot rather than price per square foot.
Each of the 72 high performance homes will be built to the strongest sustainability standards, with designs, systems, finishes and fixtures that elevate the resilience and longevity of the homes. Among the systems incorporated into each home will be Carrier’s new Performance Series variable-speed heat pump and an enhanced Carrier Smart Thermostat featuring InteliSense.
“SHAWOOD’s ethos, designing with wellness in mind while achieving decarbonization, is mirrored in Carrier’s strategy: electrification, lower-GWP refrigerants, smarter controls and documented environmental performance,” says Emily Crites, Senior Director of Sustainability at Carrier. “These solutions don’t just meet code, they elevate the homeowner experience while advancing sustainability goals.”
Homebuyers and homeowners say that safety, resilience and durability matter most when it comes to decisions to buy or remodel a home, followed closely by energy bills and savings. The third most important factors are health and indoor air quality, according to COGNITION Smart Data.
Carrier’s solutions for VISION House SHAWOOD deliver climate responsiveness and resilience while addressing wildfire-related air quality concerns, which are particularly important in Southern California and other wildfire-prone areas.
“The Performance variable speed heat pump automatically adjusts its output to match changing conditions, delivering efficient comfort with full variable speed operation, advanced defrost technology, and WeatherArmor protection for long lasting durability. When paired with the Carrier Smart Thermostat with InteliSense, homeowners gain enhanced system performance through predictive maintenance alerts, remote diagnostics, and optimized staging that can unlock up to 21 compressor speeds, ensuring consistent, uninterrupted comfort even during extreme climate events,” says Brooke Greenwood, Director of Product Management at Carrier.
To mitigate the impacts of wildfire smoke and enhance indoor air quality, Carrier systems can integrate IAQ add-ons such as:
High-efficiency air filters (MERV 13 or higher) for fine particulate capture
Infinity® Air Purifier to reduce airborne pathogens and particulates
Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs) to maintain fresh air without sacrificing efficiency
“Together, these solutions create a connected, adaptive HVAC ecosystem that safeguards comfort, supports overall wellbeing, and helps advance sustainability goals, making homes better prepared for climate-driven events and challenges,” Greenwood says.
Carrier’s HVAC ecosystem elevates the homes at VISION House SHAWOOD by combining performance, intelligence and sustainability.
“The Performance variable speed heat pump and Carrier Smart Thermostat work together to deliver exceptional comfort, efficiency and intelligent control,” says Greenwood. “The ultraquiet, ENERGY STAR performance and InteliSense-enabled insights pair seamlessly with the Smart Thermostat’s smart home integration and over the air updates to optimize comfort and proactively maintain system health. Together, these connected systems support Carrier’s commitment to sustainability with hybrid fuel flexibility, integration ready smart features and alignment with carbon reduction goals, creating a home that is efficient, resilient and future ready.”
Continuing Corporate Sustainability Commitment
After more than a century of innovation, Carrier remains committed to developing healthier, more sustainable and intelligent building solutions. Carrier ‘s leadership role is already apparent in three emerging trends:
Electrification and Cold-Climate Heat Pumps. Homeowners and builders are rapidly shifting to high-efficiency, variable-speed heat pumps for decarbonization and incentive eligibility, especially with models that perform reliably in cold, harsh climates.
Lower-GWP Refrigerants and Future-Ready Installation. Regulatory pressure from Kigali/AIM is driving adoption of lower-GWP refrigerants (A2L/HFO). Builders want systems that are code-compliant and future-proof, with installer training and safety kits.
Smart, Connected Efficiency. Demand for smart thermostats, predictive maintenance and verified energy savings is growing. Homeowners expect integrated controls that deliver measurable ROI and utility program compatibility.
Building on decades of leadership, Carrier aims to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
“By 2030, we will reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 42% and Scope 3 emissions by 25%, invest over $4 billion in intelligent climate and energy solutions, and help customers avoid more than one gigaton of emissions,” says Crites. “We are driving carbon-neutral operations, cutting energy intensity by 10%, implementing water stewardship programs, and diverting operational waste from landfills. Through innovation and integrity, Carrier strives to be a catalyst for positive change.”
High-Performance Systems Contribute to Comfort and Wellness at Home
Connected HVAC systems built for durability at VISION House SHAWOOD.
While homebuyers have always wanted to understand the financial worth of their homes, the traditional way of looking at value was price per square foot. But today’s buyers understand that resilience, durability and long-term operating costs are much more important than the size of their home.
Green Builder Media’s COGNITION Smart Data surveys found that every generation of buyers pays more attention to sustainable homeownership than upfront cost. In one survey, more than half of respondents (53%) said they always consider long-term costs such as energy, maintenance and insurance when making decisions about buying, building or remodeling a home.
At VISION House SHAWOOD at Deerlake Ranch in Chatsworth, Calif., a project by Green Builder Media and SHAWOOD, a division of the Japan-based Sekisui House, the partners and participants are leaning into the concept of value per square foot rather than price per square foot.
Each of the 72 high performance homes will be built to the strongest sustainability standards, with designs, systems, finishes and fixtures that elevate the resilience and longevity of the homes. Among the systems incorporated into each home will be Carrier’s new Performance Series variable-speed heat pump and an enhanced Carrier Smart Thermostat featuring InteliSense.
“SHAWOOD’s ethos, designing with wellness in mind while achieving decarbonization, is mirrored in Carrier’s strategy: electrification, lower-GWP refrigerants, smarter controls and documented environmental performance,” says Emily Crites, Senior Director of Sustainability at Carrier. “These solutions don’t just meet code, they elevate the homeowner experience while advancing sustainability goals.”
Homebuyers and homeowners say that safety, resilience and durability matter most when it comes to decisions to buy or remodel a home, followed closely by energy bills and savings. The third most important factors are health and indoor air quality, according to COGNITION Smart Data.
Carrier’s solutions for VISION House SHAWOOD deliver climate responsiveness and resilience while addressing wildfire-related air quality concerns, which are particularly important in Southern California and other wildfire-prone areas.
“The Performance variable speed heat pump automatically adjusts its output to match changing conditions, delivering efficient comfort with full variable speed operation, advanced defrost technology, and WeatherArmor protection for long lasting durability. When paired with the Carrier Smart Thermostat with InteliSense, homeowners gain enhanced system performance through predictive maintenance alerts, remote diagnostics, and optimized staging that can unlock up to 21 compressor speeds, ensuring consistent, uninterrupted comfort even during extreme climate events,” says Brooke Greenwood, Director of Product Management at Carrier.
To mitigate the impacts of wildfire smoke and enhance indoor air quality, Carrier systems can integrate IAQ add-ons such as:
“Together, these solutions create a connected, adaptive HVAC ecosystem that safeguards comfort, supports overall wellbeing, and helps advance sustainability goals, making homes better prepared for climate-driven events and challenges,” Greenwood says.
Carrier’s HVAC ecosystem elevates the homes at VISION House SHAWOOD by combining performance, intelligence and sustainability.
“The Performance variable speed heat pump and Carrier Smart Thermostat work together to deliver exceptional comfort, efficiency and intelligent control,” says Greenwood. “The ultraquiet, ENERGY STAR performance and InteliSense-enabled insights pair seamlessly with the Smart Thermostat’s smart home integration and over the air updates to optimize comfort and proactively maintain system health. Together, these connected systems support Carrier’s commitment to sustainability with hybrid fuel flexibility, integration ready smart features and alignment with carbon reduction goals, creating a home that is efficient, resilient and future ready.”
Continuing Corporate Sustainability Commitment
After more than a century of innovation, Carrier remains committed to developing healthier, more sustainable and intelligent building solutions. Carrier ‘s leadership role is already apparent in three emerging trends:
Building on decades of leadership, Carrier aims to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
“By 2030, we will reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 42% and Scope 3 emissions by 25%, invest over $4 billion in intelligent climate and energy solutions, and help customers avoid more than one gigaton of emissions,” says Crites. “We are driving carbon-neutral operations, cutting energy intensity by 10%, implementing water stewardship programs, and diverting operational waste from landfills. Through innovation and integrity, Carrier strives to be a catalyst for positive change.”
By Michele Lerner, Associate Editor
Michele Lerner is an award-winning freelance writer, editor, and author who writes about real estate, personal finance, and business.Also Read