Building a Dream Home Starts with Smart Systems

Lake Geneva is one of Wisconsin’s most beautiful and sought-after places to live. With peaceful lake views, upscale neighborhoods, and picturesque landscapes, it’s no surprise many families look to build their dream home here. However, what many don’t realize is that choosing the right HVAC system in lake homes isn’t just about comfort—it’s essential for managing long-term energy costs in custom builds.

At Jorndt Fahey, LLC, one of the most trusted Lake Geneva home builders, clients often ask us how to make energy-smart choices that don’t sacrifice luxury or style. HVAC design is one of the first (and most important) decisions to make before breaking ground. Effective climate-specific system design can save thousands in the long run and greatly impact how your home operates in every season.

Why HVAC Matters More for Lake Homes

The Lake Geneva Climate

Lake Geneva experiences all four seasons with cold winters, humid summers, and a mix of wet and dry conditions throughout the year. These factors make energy performance a top priority when building new homes. Systems that work well in mild climates may not stand up to Midwest extremes.

Jorndt Fahey, LLC understands Wisconsin’s weather patterns and recommends HVAC options based on years of experience working with climate-specific system design. Our team collaborates with homeowners and architects to incorporate heating and cooling strategies into each custom blueprint.

Increased Exposure to the Elements

Lakefront properties are more exposed to wind and moisture. The homes deal with more air infiltration, which can cause heating and cooling systems to work harder. That wear and tear not only shortens the life of your system but also leads to skyrocketing energy bills.

This is where working with experienced Lake Geneva home builders like Jorndt Fahey, LLC becomes critical. We help balance your home’s performance with style, placing HVAC as a top priority from the foundation up.

Radiant vs. Forced Air: What’s Better for Lake Homes?

Understanding Forced Air Systems

Forced air systems are common in many homes. They use ductwork to push heated or cooled air through vents. This method is fast to respond and allows for air filtration and humidity control. It’s also easier to pair with smart thermostats and zoning systems.

However, forced air isn’t always the most energy-efficient option for large lake homes. Duct leaks, uneven airflow, and energy loss through uninsulated spaces can impact overall performance. Maintenance costs also rise over time due to filters, blower motors, and HVAC circuitry.

The Case for Radiant Heating

Radiant heating works by warming the floor or panels in the wall. Instead of pushing air, it transfers heat directly through the surfaces in your home. This method is extremely quiet, reduces allergens, and creates an even, comfortable heat without noticeable hot or cold spots.

For custom homes near Lake Geneva, radiant systems offer another financial advantage—they’re often more energy-efficient. Since warm air rises, heating floors allows rooms to retain heat longer, using less energy in the long run. Jorndt Fahey, LLC frequently recommends radiant floor systems for luxury custom builds looking to maintain both performance and aesthetic freedom.

Which HVAC System is Easier to Customize?

Forced air systems offer better cooling performance during humid summers. Radiant systems typically focus on heating, although some newer models provide radiant cooling. Hybrid solutions may provide the best of both worlds for those wanting full-season climate control with energy savings in mind.

Choosing between radiant vs. forced air depends on your goals, budget, and how often you use your home. Jorndt Fahey, LLC will walk you through your options and build HVAC into the overall vision so your home performs as beautifully as it looks.

Designing HVAC Systems for Energy Savings in Custom Builds

What Impacts Energy Costs in a New Home?

Many people assume HVAC systems come “standard” in new builds. But with custom homes, you can design the system strategically—with huge payoffs in monthly savings. The main factors that affect energy costs in custom builds include:

– HVAC system type (radiant vs. forced air)

– Insulation levels throughout walls, roofs, and floors

– Placement and size of windows and doors

– Ventilation and indoor air quality systems

– Smart thermostats and zoning capabilities

– System size relative to home square footage

Jorndt Fahey, LLC believes the best homes are both beautiful and efficient. Our build process includes energy audits and HVAC design consultations as part of each phase.

Optimizing HVAC for Low Energy Bills

Not all units are created equally. Oversized HVAC units can short cycle, meaning they heat or cool your home quickly—but turn off before reaching maximum efficiency. Undersized models run constantly and wear down faster. Pair this with poor system design and you get high monthly bills and frequent repairs.

Proper system sizing, duct layout, and insulation are crucial—especially in homes built near lakes where wind, moisture, and sun exposure vary. At Jorndt Fahey, LLC, we ensure every system is tailored for long-term performance. Whether you’re building a second home or creating a full-time residence, a right-sized HVAC keeps your space comfortable without impacting your wallet.

Custom HVAC Design: An Investment in Your Lifestyle

Luxury Comfort that Supports Health and Air Quality

Besides cost savings, custom HVAC design supports better indoor air quality. Lake homes often bring in more pollen, moisture, and pet dander—especially for families enjoying outdoor living. An efficient system filters the air while controlling humidity, which helps reduce mold and allergens.

Forced air systems with air purifiers work well to reduce allergens. Radiant heating systems, on the other hand, don’t blow air around—making them a great option for people with respiratory sensitivities.

Smart Controls for a Smarter Home

Modern HVAC systems can do more than heat and cool. With smart thermostats and home automation, you can adjust settings from your phone, pre-set daily routines, and monitor energy usage remotely. For second homes near Lake Geneva, this is a game changer—especially for reducing energy waste when the home isn’t occupied full-time.

Jorndt Fahey, LLC integrates smart HVAC controls into our custom builds, giving you complete control at any time of the year.

Building Value Through Efficiency

Homes with thoughtfully selected and properly installed HVAC systems typically have higher resale values. Buyers are willing to pay more for homes that offer peak efficiency, especially in high-demand areas like Lake Geneva. Reducing operational costs and improving thermal comfort creates a future-proof space for you or future owners.

Jorndt Fahey, LLC understands this connection and brings it into every custom building project. We design systems that deliver long-term value while fitting seamlessly into modern, luxury lifestyles.

Why Work with Jorndt Fahey, LLC?

Decades of Experience with Lake Geneva Home Builders

Founded by Douglas and Bryan Jorndt of Jorndt Builders, LLC, and Dan Fahey, Jorndt Fahey, LLC has decades of experience in building high-end homes that balance design, function, and energy efficiency. We specialize in the lake home market across Lake Geneva, Fontana, and Delavan, delivering expert recommendations for HVAC in lake homes right from the blueprint stage.

A Process Built Around You

From start to finish, our goal is to deliver a home that exceeds your expectations. Whether you’re deciding between radiant vs. forced air or trying to lower energy costs in custom builds, we help you make informed decisions that last a lifetime. Our process includes:

– Initial design consultation

– Collaboration with architects for system integration

– Customized HVAC plan to match your lifestyle

– Communication at every construction phase

Top-Level Craftsmanship and Customer Care

Every home we build is a reflection of our passion for excellence. Our leadership team—including skilled builder Bryan Jorndt, project coordinator Douglas Jorndt, and designer Dan Fahey—works closely with you through every step, ensuring your home is as efficient as it is beautiful.

Secure the Comfort and Savings Your Home Deserves

When building near Lake Geneva, investing in the right HVAC system is critical. It can make or break your comfort and budget. Don’t leave your system selection until the last minute. Instead, let Jorndt Fahey, LLC help you create a custom home with smart HVAC built into its foundation.

Whether you lean toward radiant heat, prefer traditional forced air, or want a hybrid solution designed for Wisconsin’s changing climate, we will guide you through your options and implement a system built for efficiency and comfort.

Contact us today at (262) 607-6121 or email office@jorndtfaheyllc.com to schedule a consultation. Visit us at 168 Elkhorn Road, Williams Bay, WI 53191—open Monday through Sunday to serve you. Let’s build the home you’ve always dreamed of—efficient, elegant, and designed to thrive year-round by the lake.