HVAC System Basics for New Homeowners

Well done on buying your first home! You are obviously delighted with your investment, even though you might feel weighed down by all your 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, like the heating and cooling equipment.

If the only interaction you’ve ever come across with a furnace or air conditioner is to change the thermostat, you have more to learn. Get started with these HVAC system suggestions for brand-new 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 likely 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 equipment, such as an air conditioner, air-source heat pump, furnace, boiler, geothermal heat pump or ductless mini-split, to name a few options.

• • Ductwork attached to return and supply registers with regards to air-forced systems including ACs, heat pumps and furnaces.

• • Radiators or hot water distribution systems in the case of boilers.

• • Indoor air quality equipment, like an air filter, whole-house humidifier, whole-house dehumidifier, air purifier or energy-recovery ventilator.

• • Thermostat for indoor climate control.

Recognize the Importance of Preventive Maintenance

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

• • Swap out the air filter every 30 to 90 days.

• • Lightly hose down the outdoor unit and cut back vegetation to enhance airflow.

• • Keep all air registers open to preserve proper system balance.

Then, schedule annual maintenance for each HVAC unit. Only an experienced professional can complete in-depth tasks like cleaning the furnace burners, recharging the AC refrigerant and gauging air leaks in the ductwork. Expect the following perks when you call a professional to inspect your system every year:

• • Energy savings

• • Fewer breakdowns

• • More affordable repair bills

• • Improved home comfort

• • Longer 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 contractor:

• • Loud noise: Don’t neglect a screeching, rattling, clanking or banging sound. It can be a cry for help from your furnace or air conditioner.

• • Comfort or air quality problems: Inconsistent temperatures, high or low humidity, stagnant rooms and moldy smells are routinely linked to faulty HVAC equipment.

• • Low energy efficiency: Are your bills unexpectedly increasing? This might mean your heating and cooling system isn’t running right.

• • Old age: Like all mechanical utilities, HVAC systems ultimately give out. 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 your finicky 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:

• • Describe the problem to the contractor and allow them to explore it more in-depth.

• • The technician should diagnose the problem and suggest available solutions. A repair may be doable, but depending on the unit’s condition and age, a replacement can be more cost-effective.

• • You can acquire numerous opinions and estimates from available contractors if you want.

• • When you call Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, a residential sales consultant will go over what HVAC system, brand, fuel type and efficiency rating is best for you.

• • The contractor should compose a written estimate describing the work needed, the equipment they’ll install and the final cost. You should also be given information about warranty coverage, service plans and financing options.

• • Schedule the installation after you pick what system you want. The technician will complete everything, including hauling away the old equipment for proper disposal.

• • The sales consultant will review the new system with you, explaining how to use it, helping with any questions and providing all the necessary documentation.

Call Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing

If you have concerns about these HVAC system basics, call Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. We focus on customer education to help you make an educated decision about your HVAC system. Our team is well-versed in a full array of HVAC services, so give us a call for everything 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 & Plumbing office today.