HVAC System Basics for New Homeowners

Well done on picking out your first home! You are obviously pleased with your investment, although you might feel overloaded by all the new responsibilities. Now that you’re a homeowner, not the renter, it’s your job to care for all your home’s appliances and utilities, such as 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 a lot to learn. Try these HVAC system suggestions for new homeowners.

Know the Parts of an HVAC System

HVAC stands for heating, ventilation and air conditioning. Unless you live in the perfect climate, your new home most likely 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 systems, like an air conditioner, air-source heat pump, furnace, boiler, geothermal heat pump or ductless mini-split, to name a few choices.
• Ductwork connected to return and supply registers with regards to 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 comfort control.

Understand the Importance of Preventive Maintenance

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

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

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

• Energy savings
• Fewer breakdowns
• Smaller 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 hire a heating and cooling professional:

• Loud noise: Don’t dismiss a screeching, rattling, clanking or banging sound. It could be a cry for help from your furnace or air conditioner.
• Comfort or air quality trouble: Inconsistent temperatures, high or low humidity, stagnant rooms and mold-like odors are routinely associated with defective HVAC equipment.
• Poor energy efficiency: Are your bills unexpectedly increasing? This can mean your heating and cooling system isn’t working correctly.
• Old age: Like all mechanical utilities, HVAC systems ultimately fail. The standard 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 a damaged furnace or air conditioner can’t be fixed, you’ll need to replace it with an HVAC specialist’s help. Here’s how this works:

• Illustrate the problem to your technician and permit them to investigate it more in-depth.
• The professional will determine the problem and suggest possible solutions. A repair could be doable, but according to the unit’s condition and age, a replacement can be more cost-effective.
• You can secure numerous opinions and estimates from assorted contractors if you prefer.
• 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 perfect for you.
• The technician should supply you with a written estimate describing the work required, the equipment they’ll install and the total price. You might also receive info about warranty coverage, service plans and financing options.
• Schedule the installation as soon as you decide what system you want. Your technician will handle everything, like hauling away the old equipment for proper disposal.
• The sales consultant will review the new system with you, describing how to use it, helping with any questions and providing all the required documentation.

Call Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing

If you have concerns about these HVAC system guidelines, don’t hesitate Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. We emphasize customer education to help you make an informed decision about your heating and cooling system. Our team is experienced in a full array 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 request an estimate, please get in touch with your local Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing office today.