HVAC System Basics for New Homeowners

Congrats on picking out your first home! You are undoubtedly thrilled with your investment, although you might feel overwhelmed by all these new responsibilities. Now that you’re the owner, not the renter, it’s your job to maintain all your home’s appliances and systems, like the heating and cooling equipment.

If the only interaction you’ve ever experienced with a furnace or air conditioner is to adjust the thermostat, you have plenty to learn. Try these HVAC system basics for brand-new homeowners.

Know the Different Elements of an HVAC System

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

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

Appreciate the Importance of Preventive Maintenance

When you were a renter, your landlord probably took care of HVAC maintenance tasks such as replacing the air filter. They may or may not have also handled the bill for thorough heating and cooling inspections.

Now that you’re taking care of things, you can give preventive maintenance the attention it deserves. First, prioritize these do-it-yourself HVAC maintenance tasks:

• Replace the air filter every 30 to 90 days.
• Lightly hose down the outdoor unit and cut back vegetation to improve airflow.
• Keep all air registers open to preserve proper system balance.

Then, arrange yearly maintenance for each HVAC unit. Only a qualified professional can complete in-depth tasks like cleaning the furnace burners, recharging the AC refrigerant and gauging air leaks in the ductwork. Expect the following benefits when you get a professional to inspect your system every year:

• Energy savings
• Fewer breakdowns
• More affordable repair bills
• Enhanced home comfort
• Extended system life span
• Peace of mind

Keep an Eye Out for Signs of Trouble

Repairing and replacing the HVAC system is the homeowner’s responsibility. Watch for these clues that it’s time to call a heating and cooling contractor:

• Excess noise: Don’t neglect a whining, rattling, clanking or banging sound. It can be a cry for help from your home’s furnace or air conditioner.
• Comfort or air quality trouble: Erratic temperatures, high or low humidity, stuffy rooms and mold-like smells are often associated with defective HVAC equipment.
• Reduced energy efficiency: Are your bills unexpectedly going up? This could mean your heating and cooling system isn’t running properly.
• Old age: Like all mechanical equipment, HVAC systems inevitably give out. The standard life span of a furnace or boiler is 15 years, while air conditioners and heat pumps can live just about a decade.

Learn More About the HVAC Replacement Process

If a damaged furnace or air conditioner can’t be repaired, you’ll need to replace it with an HVAC specialist’s help. Here’s how it works:

• Explain the problem to the technician and let them investigate it more in-depth.
• The tech will next determine the problem and suggest available solutions. A repair may be viable, but according to the unit’s condition and age, a replacement might be more cost-effective.
• You can secure numerous opinions and estimates from assorted contractors if you want.
• When you work with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, a residential sales consultant will determine what HVAC system, brand, fuel type and efficiency rating is perfect for you.
• The contractor should provide a written estimate detailing the work necessary, the equipment they’ll install and the overall cost. You may also receive details about warranty coverage, service plans and financing options.
• Schedule the installation as soon as you pick what system you want. Your technician will complete everything, like hauling away the old equipment for appropriate disposal.
• The sales consultant can go over the new system with you, describing how to use it, helping with any questions and offering all the necessary documentation.

Call Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning

If you have concerns about these HVAC system guidelines, get in touch with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. We prioritize customer education to help you make the best decision about your home comfort system. Our team is well-versed in a full range of HVAC services, so turn to us for anything from furnace maintenance to AC repair to heat pump installation. For more details or to ask for an estimate, please get in touch with your local Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning office today.