HVAC System Basics for New Homeowners

Well done on picking out your first home! You are obviously thrilled with your investment, though you may also feel overwhelmed by all these new responsibilities. Now that you’re a homeowner, not the renter, it’s your job to care for all your home’s appliances and systems, such as 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 more to learn. Get started with these HVAC system tips for 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 during the winter and cool for the summer. Here are the basic parts of an HVAC system:

• Comfort equipment, like an air conditioner, air-source heat pump, furnace, boiler, geothermal heat pump or ductless mini-split, to name a few possibilities.
• Ductwork attached to return and supply registers with regards to air-forced systems such as ACs, heat pumps and furnaces.
• Radiators or hot water distribution systems in the case of boilers.
• Indoor air quality equipment, such as 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, your landlord likely managed any HVAC maintenance tasks like replacing the air filter. They may or may not have also handled the bill for comprehensive heating and cooling inspections.

Now that you’re in charge, you can provide preventive maintenance the attention it deserves. First, perform these do-it-yourself HVAC maintenance tasks:

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

Then, schedule 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 measuring air leaks in the ductwork. Anticipate the following advantages when you hire a professional to inspect your system annually:

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

Watch for Signs of Trouble

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

• Loud noise: Don’t ignore a whining, rattling, clanking or banging sound. It might be a cry for help from your furnace or air conditioner.
• Comfort or air quality problems: Erratic temperatures, high or low humidity, stagnant rooms and mold-like odors are routinely associated with faulty HVAC equipment.
• Low energy efficiency: Are your bills suddenly going up? This could mean your heating and cooling system isn’t working right.
• Old age: Like all mechanical systems, HVAC systems ultimately fail. The average life span of a furnace or boiler is 15 years, while air conditioners and heat pumps can live about a decade.

Learn More About the HVAC Replacement Process

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

• Describe the problem to your technician and let them investigate it more in-depth.
• The technician will next determine the problem and recommend possible solutions. A repair could be doable, but according to the unit’s condition and age, a replacement may be more cost-effective.
• You can acquire numerous opinions and estimates from assorted contractors if you want.
• When you call Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, a residential sales consultant will determine what HVAC system, brand, fuel type and efficiency rating is perfect for you.
• The technician will compose a written estimate outlining the work required, the equipment they’ll install and the final cost. You may also receive info about warranty coverage, service plans and financing options.
• Schedule the installation after you decide what system you want. Your technician will handle everything, including hauling away the old equipment for safe disposal.
• The sales consultant can go over the new system with you, explaining how to use it, addressing any questions and giving you all the required documentation.

Call Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing

If you have questions about these HVAC system basics, don’t hesitate Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. We prioritize customer education to help you make an informed decision about your HVAC system. Our team is well-versed in a wide range of HVAC services, so turn to us for anything from furnace maintenance to AC repair to heat pump installation. For more information or to ask about an estimate, please contact your local Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing office today.