HVAC System Basics for New Homeowners

Congrats on purchasing your first home! You are certainly delighted with your investment, although you may feel overwhelmed by all the new responsibilities. Now that you’re the 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 experienced with a furnace or air conditioner is to use the thermostat, you have plenty to learn. Get started with these HVAC system tips for brand-new homeowners.

Know the Different Components of an HVAC System

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

• Comfort systems, 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 with regards 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.

Understand the Importance of Preventive Maintenance

When you were a renter, your landlord likely managed any 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 in charge, you can provide preventive maintenance the attention it deserves. First, complete these do-it-yourself HVAC maintenance tasks:

• Swap out the air filter every 30 to 90 days.
• Gently hose down the outdoor unit and cut back vegetation to increase airflow.
• Keep all air registers open to preserve proper system balance.

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

• Energy savings
• Fewer breakdowns
• More affordable repair bills
• Improved home comfort
• Extended 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 signals that it’s time to hire a heating and cooling specialist:

• Excess noise: Don’t dismiss a screeching, rattling, clanking or banging sound. It might be a cry for help from your home’s furnace or air conditioner.
• Comfort or air quality issues: Inconsistent temperatures, high or low humidity, stuffy rooms and moldy odors are regularly associated with malfunctioning HVAC equipment.
• Low energy efficiency: Are your bills suddenly on the rise? This might mean your heating and cooling system isn’t functioning properly.
• Old age: Like all mechanical equipment, HVAC systems ultimately give out. The standard life span of a furnace or boiler is 15 years, while air conditioners and heat pumps last just about a decade.

Understand the HVAC Replacement Process

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

• Describe the problem to the technician and let them take a closer look at it more in-depth.
• The technician will next identify the problem and offer the best solutions. A repair may be feasible, 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 call Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, a residential sales consultant will review what HVAC system, brand, fuel type and efficiency rating is ideal for you.
• The tech will then supply you with a written estimate describing the work needed, the equipment they’ll install and the total price. You may also be given details about warranty coverage, service plans and financing options.
• Schedule the installation after you figure out what system you want. Your contractor will complete everything, even hauling away the old equipment for proper disposal.
• The sales consultant will walk through the new system with you, describing how to use it, answering any questions and giving you all the needed documentation.

Call Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning

If you have questions about these HVAC system guidelines, feel free]] to {reach out to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. We prioritize customer education to help you make the best decision about your HVAC system. Our team is experienced in a full range of HVAC services, so give us a call for anything from furnace maintenance to AC repair to heat pump installation. For more information or to ask for an estimate, please get in touch with your local Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning office today.