Well done on picking out your first home! You are undoubtedly delighted with your investment, even though you might feel overwhelmed by all the 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 had with a furnace or air conditioner is to change the thermostat, you have a lot to learn. Try these HVAC system tips for new homeowners.
Know the Different Components 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 during the winter and cool throughout the summer. Here are the key parts of an HVAC system:
- Comfort systems, such as an air conditioner, air-source heat pump, furnace, boiler, geothermal heat pump or ductless mini-split, to name a few possibilities.
- Ductwork fixed to return and supply registers when it comes to air-forced systems such as ACs, heat pumps and furnaces.
- Radiators or hot water distribution systems in the case of boilers.
- Indoor air quality solutions, such as an air filter, whole-house humidifier, whole-house dehumidifier, air purifier or energy-recovery ventilator.
- Thermostat for indoor climate control.
Appreciate the Importance of Preventive Maintenance
When you rented, a landlord most likely handled any HVAC maintenance tasks such as replacing the air filter. They may or may not have also handled 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, prioritize these do-it-yourself HVAC maintenance tasks:
- Replace the air filter every 30 to 90 days.
- Gently hose down the outdoor unit and pare back vegetation to improve airflow.
- Keep all air registers open to preserve proper system balance.
Then, request annual 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. Count on the following advantages when you call a professional to inspect your system every year:
- 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 signals that it’s time to contact a heating and cooling specialist:
- Loud noise: Don’t ignore a squealing, rattling, clanking or banging sound. It can be a cry for help from your home's furnace or air conditioner.
- Comfort or air quality trouble: Uneven temperatures, high or low humidity, stale rooms and moldy smells are routinely associated with malfunctioning HVAC equipment.
- Reduced energy efficiency: Are your bills suddenly increasing? This can mean your heating and cooling system isn’t working correctly.
- Old age: Like all mechanical equipment, HVAC systems eventually give out. The average 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 finicky furnace or air conditioner can’t be restored, you’ll need to replace it with an HVAC specialist's help. Here’s how this works:
- Explain the problem to your technician and permit them to explore it more in-depth.
- The technician will next diagnose the problem and offer possible solutions. A repair could be doable, but according to the unit’s condition and age, a replacement can be more cost-effective.
- You can obtain numerous opinions and estimates from assorted contractors if you so choose.
- When you work with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, a residential sales consultant will go over what HVAC system, brand, fuel type and efficiency rating is best for you.
- The technician should supply you with a written estimate detailing the work needed, the equipment they’ll install and the overall cost. You might also get 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, like hauling away the old equipment for appropriate disposal.
- The sales consultant should go over the new system with you, explaining how to use it, addressing any questions and providing all the necessary documentation.
Call Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning
If you have questions about these HVAC system guidelines, don't wait to call Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. We focus on customer education to help you make an educated decision about your heating and cooling system. Our team is proficient in a full array of HVAC services, so reach out for anything from furnace maintenance to AC repair to heat pump installation. For more info or to request an estimate, please
get in touch with your local Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning office today.