HVAC System Basics for New Homeowners

Well done on purchasing your first home! You are certainly delighted with your investment, even though you may feel overloaded by all your new responsibilities. Now that you’re the homeowner, not the renter, it’s your job to maintain all your home’s appliances and systems, including the heating and cooling equipment.

If the only interaction you’ve ever experienced with a furnace or air conditioner is to use the thermostat, you have more to learn. Get a head start with these HVAC system suggestions for first-time homeowners.

Know the Different Components of an HVAC System

HVAC stands for heating, ventilation and air conditioning. Unless you live in an idyllic climate, your new home likely has this system to keep you warm through the winter and cool in the summer. Here are the important 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 in the case of air-forced systems such as ACs, heat pumps and furnaces.
• Radiators or hot water distribution systems like boilers.
• Indoor air quality products, including an air filter, whole-house humidifier, whole-house dehumidifier, air purifier or energy-recovery ventilator.
• Thermostat for indoor comfort control.

Understand the Importance of Preventive Maintenance

When you rented, a landlord probably took care of HVAC maintenance tasks like replacing the air filter. They may or may not have also handled the bill for thorough heating and cooling inspections.

Now that you’re taking care of things, you can give preventive maintenance the attention it deserves. First, prioritize these do-it-yourself HVAC maintenance tasks:

• Swap out 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 maintain proper system balance.

Then, request annual maintenance for each HVAC unit. Only a trained professional can complete 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 hire a professional to inspect your system once a year:

• Energy savings
• Fewer breakdowns
• Lower repair bills
• Superior home comfort
• Longer system life span
• Peace of mind

Keep an Eye Out for Signs of Trouble

Repairing and replacing the HVAC system is the homeowner’s job. Watch for these signals that it’s time to contact a heating and cooling contractor:

• Excess noise: Don’t ignore a screeching, rattling, clanking or banging sound. It could be a cry for help from your furnace or air conditioner.
• Comfort or air quality trouble: Inconsistent temperatures, high or low humidity, stuffy rooms and mold-like smells are routinely tied to malfunctioning HVAC equipment.
• Reduced energy efficiency: Are your bills mysteriously going up? This might mean your heating and cooling system isn’t running right.
• Old age: Like all mechanical utilities, HVAC systems eventually fail. The standard life span of a furnace or boiler is 15 years, while air conditioners and heat pumps last around a decade.

Learn More About the HVAC Replacement Process

If a finicky 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 technician and allow them to take a closer look at it more in-depth.
• The technician will diagnose the problem and recommend possible solutions. A repair may be viable, but depending on the unit’s condition and age, a replacement can be more cost-effective.
• You can obtain multiple opinions and estimates from available contractors if you prefer.
• 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 tech will compose a written estimate outlining the work necessary, the equipment they’ll install and the total price. You should also be given details about warranty coverage, service plans and financing options.
• Schedule the installation as soon as you pick what system you want. The technician will take care of everything, including hauling away the old equipment for appropriate disposal.
• The sales consultant can go over the new system with you, describing how to use it, addressing any questions and giving you 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 prioritize customer education to help you make an educated decision about your heating and cooling system. Our team is experienced 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 information or to ask for an estimate, please contact your local Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing office today.