HVAC System Basics for New Homeowners

Well done on picking out your first home! You are undoubtedly pleased with your investment, though you might feel overwhelmed by all your new responsibilities. Now that you’re the owner, not the renter, it’s your job to maintain all your home’s appliances and systems, such as the heating and cooling equipment.

If the only interaction you’ve ever come across with a furnace or air conditioner is to use the thermostat, you have a lot to learn. Get a head start with these HVAC system basics for first-time 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 units, like an air conditioner, air-source heat pump, furnace, boiler, geothermal heat pump or ductless mini-split, to name a few choices.
• Ductwork attached to return and supply registers in the case of air-forced systems like ACs, heat pumps and furnaces.
• Radiators or hot water distribution systems like boilers.
• Indoor air quality equipment, including an air filter, whole-house humidifier, whole-house dehumidifier, air purifier or energy-recovery ventilator.
• Thermostat for indoor temperature control.

Recognize the Importance of Preventive Maintenance

When you were renting your home, the landlord probably managed any HVAC maintenance tasks like 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, complete these do-it-yourself HVAC maintenance tasks:

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

Then, request annual maintenance for each HVAC unit. Only a qualified professional can execute in-depth tasks like cleaning the furnace burners, recharging the AC refrigerant and identifying air leaks in the ductwork. Expect the following advantages when you hire a professional to inspect your system annually:

• Energy savings
• Fewer breakdowns
• Lower repair bills
• Improved home comfort
• Expanded 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 signals that it’s time to contact a heating and cooling specialist:

• Excess noise: Don’t dismiss a whining, rattling, clanking or banging sound. It might be a cry for help from your home’s furnace or air conditioner.
• Comfort or air quality trouble: Inconsistent temperatures, high or low humidity, stale rooms and moldy odors are regularly tied to faulty HVAC equipment.
• Low energy efficiency: Are your bills mysteriously increasing? This might mean your heating and cooling system isn’t functioning correctly.
• Old age: Like all mechanical utilities, HVAC systems ultimately fail. The average life span of a furnace or boiler is 15 years, while air conditioners and heat pumps last around a decade.

Learn More About the HVAC Replacement Process

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

• Describe the problem to your technician and permit them to investigate it more in-depth.
• The tech will next identify the problem and suggest available solutions. A repair may be doable, but according to the unit’s condition and age, a replacement might be more cost-effective.
• You can obtain numerous opinions and estimates from assorted contractors if you so choose.
• When you work with Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, a residential sales consultant will go over what HVAC system, brand, fuel type and efficiency rating is perfect for you.
• The tech will provide a written estimate detailing the work required, the equipment they’ll install and the overall cost. You should also be given information about warranty coverage, service plans and financing options.
• Schedule the installation as soon as you decide what system you want. Your contractor will take care of everything, including hauling away the old equipment for appropriate disposal.
• The sales consultant can walk through the new system with you, describing how to use it, answering any questions and offering all the required documentation.

Call Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing

If you have concerns about these HVAC system guidelines, don’t wait Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. We focus on customer education to help you make the best decision about your heating and cooling system. Our team is experienced in a wide range of HVAC services, so reach out for everything from furnace maintenance to AC repair to heat pump installation. For more details or to request an estimate, please get in touch with your local Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing office today.