HVAC System Basics for New Homeowners

Well done on buying your first home! You are obviously delighted with your investment, though you may also feel weighed down by all the new responsibilities. Now that you’re a homeowner, not the renter, it’s your job to maintain all your home’s appliances and utility equipment, like the heating and cooling equipment.

If the only interaction you’ve ever had with a furnace or air conditioner is to use the thermostat, you have a lot to learn. Get started with these HVAC system tips for first-time homeowners.

Know the Different Elements 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 in the winter and cool in 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 fixed to return and supply registers when it comes to air-forced systems like ACs, heat pumps and furnaces.
• Radiators or hot water distribution systems such as boilers.
• Indoor air quality equipment, including an air filter, whole-house humidifier, whole-house dehumidifier, air purifier or energy-recovery ventilator.
• Thermostat for indoor climate control.

Understand the Importance of Preventive Maintenance

When you rented, the landlord most likely handled any HVAC maintenance tasks such as replacing the air filter. They may or may not have paid the bill for detailed 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:

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

Then, schedule yearly maintenance for each HVAC unit. Only a trained professional can execute in-depth tasks like cleaning the furnace burners, recharging the AC refrigerant and identifying air leaks in the ductwork. Count on the following perks when you call a professional to inspect your system once a year:

• Energy savings
• Fewer breakdowns
• Smaller repair bills
• Enhanced 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 contact a heating and cooling professional:

• Excess noise: Don’t dismiss a screeching, 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: Inconsistent temperatures, high or low humidity, stagnant rooms and mold-like smells are often linked to malfunctioning HVAC equipment.
• Poor energy efficiency: Are your bills unexpectedly increasing? This could mean your heating and cooling system isn’t functioning properly.
• Old age: Like all mechanical systems, HVAC systems eventually fail. The typical 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 your damaged furnace or air conditioner can’t be repaired, you’ll need to replace it with an HVAC professional’s help. Here’s how this works:

• Explain the problem to the technician and allow them to explore it more in-depth.
• The tech will next diagnose the problem and suggest possible solutions. A repair may be doable, but based on the unit’s condition and age, a replacement may 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 best for you.
• The contractor will provide a written estimate detailing the work required, the equipment they’ll install and the final cost. You may also get details about warranty coverage, service plans and financing options.
• Schedule the installation as soon as you figure out what system you want. The technician will handle everything, like hauling away the old equipment for safe disposal.
• The sales consultant will go over the new system with you, detailing how to use it, answering any questions and giving you all the necessary documentation.

Call Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning

If you have questions about these HVAC system basics, don’t wait 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 give us a call 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.