HVAC System Basics for New Homeowners

Congratulations on picking out your first home! You are certainly pleased with your investment, although you may feel overwhelmed by all these new responsibilities. Now that you’re the owner, not the renter, it’s your job to care for all your home’s appliances and systems, including the heating and cooling equipment.

If the only interaction you’ve ever had with a furnace or air conditioner is to change the thermostat, you have a lot to learn. Get started with these HVAC system tips for first-time homeowners.

Know the Different Elements of an HVAC System

HVAC stands for heating, ventilation and air conditioning. Unless you live in a perpetually comfortable climate, your new home probably has this system to keep you warm in the winter and cool for the summer. Here are the important parts of an HVAC system:

• Comfort units, such as an air conditioner, air-source heat pump, furnace, boiler, geothermal heat pump or ductless mini-split, to name a few choices.
• Ductwork fixed to return and supply registers when it comes to air-forced systems like ACs, heat pumps and furnaces.
• Radiators or hot water distribution systems in the case of boilers.
• Indoor air quality products, including an air filter, whole-house humidifier, whole-house dehumidifier, air purifier or energy-recovery ventilator.
• Thermostat for indoor comfort control.

Recognize the Importance of Preventive Maintenance

When you rented, a landlord most likely took care of HVAC maintenance tasks like replacing the air filter. They may or may not have foot the bill for thorough heating and cooling inspections.

Now that you’re responsible for this, you can provide preventive maintenance the attention it deserves. First, prioritize these do-it-yourself HVAC maintenance tasks:

• Change the air filter every 30 to 90 days.
• Carefully hose down the outdoor unit and trim back vegetation to enhance airflow.
• Keep all air registers open to sustain proper system balance.

Then, request yearly maintenance for each HVAC unit. Only an experienced professional can complete in-depth tasks like cleaning the furnace burners, recharging the AC refrigerant and identifying air leaks in the ductwork. Count on the following advantages when you hire a professional to inspect your system every year:

• Energy savings
• Fewer breakdowns
• Smaller repair bills
• Superior home comfort
• Expanded system life span
• Peace of mind

Look Out for Signs of Trouble

Repairing and replacing the HVAC system is the homeowner’s job. Watch for these clues that it’s time to contact a heating and cooling professional:

• Excessive noise: Don’t dismiss a squealing, rattling, clanking or banging sound. It might be a cry for help from the furnace or air conditioner.
• Comfort or air quality problems: Uneven temperatures, high or low humidity, stuffy rooms and musty smells are often associated with defective HVAC equipment.
• Reduced energy efficiency: Are your bills unexpectedly on the rise? This might mean your heating and cooling system isn’t running properly.
• Old age: Like all mechanical utilities, HVAC systems ultimately wear out. The standard life span of a furnace or boiler is 15 years, while air conditioners and heat pumps can live around a decade.

Understand the HVAC Replacement Process

If the finicky furnace or air conditioner can’t be restored, you’ll need to replace it with an HVAC contractor’s help. Here’s how that works:

• Describe the problem to the contractor and permit them to take a closer look at it more in-depth.
• The technician will determine the problem and suggest available solutions. A repair could be viable, but depending on the unit’s condition and age, a replacement might be more cost-effective.
• You can obtain multiple opinions and estimates from available contractors if you so choose.
• When you contact Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, a residential sales consultant will go over what HVAC system, brand, fuel type and efficiency rating is best for you.
• The tech will supply you with a written estimate describing the work required, the equipment they’ll install and the final cost. You might also be given information about warranty coverage, service plans and financing options.
• Schedule the installation after you pick what system you want. Your contractor will complete everything, even hauling away the old equipment for proper disposal.
• The sales consultant can review the new system with you, describing how to use it, answering any questions and giving you all the necessary documentation.

Call Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing

If you have concerns about these HVAC system guidelines, get in touch with Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. We prioritize customer education to help you make an educated decision about your heating and cooling system. Our team is proficient in a full range of HVAC services, so turn to us for everything from furnace maintenance to AC repair to heat pump installation. For more information or to request an estimate, please get in touch with your local Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing office today.