HVAC System Basics for New Homeowners

Well done on buying your first home! You are obviously thrilled with your investment, though you might feel weighed down by all the new responsibilities. Now that you’re the owner, 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 a lot to learn. Get a head start with these HVAC system tips for first-time homeowners.

Know the Parts of an HVAC System

HVAC stands for heating, ventilation and air conditioning. Unless you live in a perpetually comfortable climate, your new home probably has this system to keep you warm during the winter and cool in the summer. Here are the key 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 options.
• Ductwork connected to return and supply registers when it comes 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 comfort control.

Recognize the Importance of Preventive Maintenance

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

Now that you’re responsible for this, you can give preventive maintenance the attention it deserves. First, complete these do-it-yourself HVAC maintenance tasks:

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

Then, schedule annual maintenance for each HVAC unit. Only a qualified professional can execute in-depth tasks like cleaning the furnace burners, recharging the AC refrigerant and measuring air leaks in the ductwork. Count on 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

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 screeching, rattling, clanking or banging sound. It can be a cry for help from your furnace or air conditioner.
• Comfort or air quality trouble: Erratic temperatures, high or low humidity, stuffy rooms and moldy odors are often associated with malfunctioning HVAC equipment.
• Low energy efficiency: Are your bills mysteriously on the rise? This might mean your heating and cooling system isn’t working correctly.
• Old age: Like all mechanical systems, HVAC systems inevitably wear out. The typical life span of a furnace or boiler is 15 years, while air conditioners and heat pumps run just about a decade.

Learn More About the HVAC Replacement Process

If the damaged furnace or air conditioner can’t be fixed, you’ll need to replace it with an HVAC contractor’s help. Here’s how it works:

• Illustrate the problem to the contractor and allow them to explore it more in-depth.
• The professional should diagnose the problem and offer possible solutions. A repair could be doable, but based on the unit’s condition and age, a replacement might be more cost-effective.
• You can secure multiple opinions and estimates from assorted 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 best for you.
• The technician will supply you with a written estimate outlining the work necessary, the equipment they’ll install and the overall cost. You might also get info about warranty coverage, service plans and financing options.
• Schedule the installation once you pick what system you want. The technician will complete everything, like 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 providing all the necessary documentation.

Call Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing

If you have concerns about these HVAC system basics, get in touch with Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. We emphasize customer education to help you make an educated decision about your home comfort system. Our team is well-versed in a full range of HVAC services, so reach out for anything from furnace maintenance to AC repair to heat pump installation. For more information or to request an estimate, please contact your local Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing office today.