HVAC System Basics for New Homeowners

Congratulations on buying your first home! You are certainly pleased with your investment, even though you may also feel overwhelmed by all your new responsibilities. Now that you’re a homeowner, not the renter, it’s your job to take care of all your home’s appliances and utilities, 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 plenty to learn. Get started with these HVAC system basics for first-time homeowners.

Know the Different Components of an HVAC System

HVAC stands for heating, ventilation and air conditioning. Unless you live in a perpetually comfortable climate, your new home likely has this system to keep you warm during the winter and cool throughout the summer. Here are the basic parts of an HVAC system:

  • Comfort units, 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 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 a renter, a landlord most likely took care of 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 give preventive maintenance the attention it deserves. First, prioritize these do-it-yourself HVAC maintenance tasks:

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

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

  • Energy savings
  • Fewer breakdowns
  • Smaller repair bills
  • Enhanced home comfort
  • Longer 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 clues that it’s time to contact a heating and cooling contractor:

  • Loud noise: Don’t neglect a squealing, rattling, clanking or banging sound. It might be a cry for help from the furnace or air conditioner.
  • Comfort or air quality problems: Uneven temperatures, high or low humidity, stagnant rooms and musty smells are often tied to defective HVAC equipment.
  • Low energy efficiency: Are your bills mysteriously increasing? This can mean your heating and cooling system isn’t running right.
  • Old age: Like all mechanical utilities, HVAC systems inevitably fail. The typical life span of a furnace or boiler is 15 years, while air conditioners and heat pumps run 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 specialist’s help. Here’s how it works:

  • Explain the problem to your technician and let them explore it more in-depth.
  • The professional will determine the problem and suggest the best solutions. A repair might be viable, but depending on the unit’s condition and age, a replacement might be more cost-effective.
  • You can acquire multiple opinions and estimates from available contractors if you so choose.
  • When you work with Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, a residential sales consultant will review what HVAC system, brand, fuel type and efficiency rating is ideal for you.
  • The tech will compose a written estimate outlining the work needed, the equipment they’ll install and the final cost. You should also be given details about warranty coverage, service plans and financing options.
  • Schedule the installation once you figure out what system you want. Your technician will complete everything, even hauling away the old equipment for appropriate disposal.
  • The sales consultant should walk through the new system with you, describing how to use it, helping with any questions and offering all the needed documentation.

Call Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing

If you have concerns about these HVAC system fundamentals, don’t wait Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. We prioritize customer education to help you make the best decision about your home comfort system. Our team is proficient 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 info or to ask for an estimate, please contact your local Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing office today.

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