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HVAC System Basics for New Homeowners

Well done on buying your first home! You are certainly thrilled with your investment, though you may feel overwhelmed by all the new responsibilities. Now that you’re the owner, not the renter, it’s your job to maintain all your home’s appliances and utility equipment, including 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 a lot to learn. Get a head start with these HVAC system basics 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 probably has this system to keep you warm in the winter and cool for the summer. Here are the basic 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 possibilities.
  • Ductwork attached to return and supply registers when it comes to air-forced systems including ACs, heat pumps and furnaces.
  • Radiators or hot water distribution systems like 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.

Understand the Importance of Preventive Maintenance

When you rented, your landlord likely took care of HVAC maintenance tasks such as replacing the air filter. They may or may not have paid the bill for comprehensive heating and cooling inspections.

Now that you’re taking care of things, 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.
  • Gently hose down the outdoor unit and trim back vegetation to improve airflow.
  • Keep all air registers open to sustain proper system balance.

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

  • Energy savings
  • Fewer breakdowns
  • More affordable repair bills
  • Enhanced home comfort
  • Longer system life span
  • Peace of mind

Watch for Signs of Trouble

Repairing and replacing the HVAC system is the homeowner’s responsibility. Watch for these clues that it’s time to contact a heating and cooling professional:

  • Excessive noise: Don’t ignore a whining, rattling, clanking or banging sound. It could be a cry for help from the furnace or air conditioner.
  • Comfort or air quality problems: Uneven temperatures, high or low humidity, stuffy rooms and musty smells are regularly associated with faulty HVAC equipment.
  • Poor energy efficiency: Are your bills mysteriously increasing? This can mean your heating and cooling system isn’t working properly.
  • Old age: Like all mechanical systems, HVAC systems ultimately wear out. The typical life span of a furnace or boiler is 15 years, while air conditioners and heat pumps last about a decade.

Learn More About the HVAC Replacement Process

If the defective furnace or air conditioner can’t be repaired, you’ll need to replace it with an HVAC specialist's help. Here’s how it works:

  • Describe the problem to your technician and allow them to investigate it more in-depth.
  • The technician should identify the problem and suggest the best solutions. A repair might be doable, but according to the unit’s condition and age, a replacement can be more cost-effective.
  • You can acquire multiple opinions and estimates from available contractors if you so choose.
  • When you call Robinson Service Experts , a residential sales consultant will determine what HVAC system, brand, fuel type and efficiency rating is ideal for you.
  • The contractor will compose a written estimate outlining the work needed, the equipment they’ll install and the total price. You may also get details about warranty coverage, service plans and financing options.
  • Schedule the installation after you decide what system you want. Your contractor will complete everything, like hauling away the old equipment for safe disposal.
  • The sales consultant will review the new system with you, describing how to use it, helping with any questions and giving you all the needed documentation.

Call Robinson Service Experts

If you have concerns about these HVAC system basics, don't wait to call Robinson Service Experts . We emphasize customer education to help you make the best decision about your HVAC system. Our team is well-versed in a full range of HVAC services, so turn to us for everything from furnace maintenance to AC repair to heat pump installation. For more details or to ask about an estimate, please contact your local Robinson Service Experts office today.