HVAC System Basics for New Homeowners

Congrats on buying your first home! You are no doubt thrilled with your investment, though you might feel overloaded by all your new responsibilities. Now that you’re the homeowner, not the renter, it’s your job to take care of 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 adjust the thermostat, you have more to learn. Try these HVAC system suggestions for brand-new homeowners.

Know the Different Elements 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 during the winter and cool throughout the summer. Here are the key parts of an HVAC system:

  • Comfort equipment, like an air conditioner, air-source heat pump, furnace, boiler, geothermal heat pump or ductless mini-split, to name a few options.
  • Ductwork attached to return and supply registers with regards to air-forced systems including ACs, heat pumps and furnaces.
  • Radiators or hot water distribution systems such as boilers.
  • Indoor air quality solutions, like 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 were renting your home, your landlord likely managed any 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 provide preventive maintenance the attention it deserves. First, complete these do-it-yourself HVAC maintenance tasks:

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

Then, schedule yearly maintenance for each HVAC unit. Only a trained professional can complete in-depth tasks like cleaning the furnace burners, recharging the AC refrigerant and gauging air leaks in the ductwork. Anticipate the following advantages when you call a professional to inspect your system every year:

  • Energy savings
  • Fewer breakdowns
  • More affordable repair bills
  • Improved 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 responsibility. Watch for these signs that it’s time to call a heating and cooling specialist:

  • Excessive noise: Don’t neglect a squealing, rattling, clanking or banging sound. It might be a cry for help from your home’s furnace or air conditioner.
  • Comfort or air quality trouble: Inconsistent temperatures, high or low humidity, stagnant rooms and musty smells are often linked to malfunctioning HVAC equipment.
  • Poor energy efficiency: Are your bills unexpectedly going up? This can mean your heating and cooling system isn’t working right.
  • Old age: Like all mechanical equipment, HVAC systems eventually give out. The typical life span of a furnace or boiler is 15 years, while air conditioners and heat pumps last just about a decade.

Understand the HVAC Replacement Process

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

  • Describe the problem to your technician and let them take a closer look at it more in-depth.
  • The tech will next identify the problem and recommend possible solutions. A repair might be viable, but depending on the unit’s condition and age, a replacement can be more cost-effective.
  • You can acquire various opinions and estimates from assorted contractors if you so choose.
  • When you contact Stevenson Service Experts, a residential sales consultant will go over what HVAC system, brand, fuel type and efficiency rating is ideal for you.
  • The tech should provide a written estimate detailing the work needed, the equipment they’ll install and the total price. You might also be given details about warranty coverage, service plans and financing options.
  • Schedule the installation after you pick what system you want. Your technician will take care of everything, even hauling away the old equipment for appropriate disposal.
  • The sales consultant will walk through the new system with you, explaining how to use it, addressing any questions and providing all the needed documentation.

Call Stevenson Service Experts

If you have questions about these HVAC system guidelines, don’t wait Stevenson Service Experts. We focus on customer education to help you make the best decision about your HVAC system. Our team is well-versed 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 details or to request an estimate, please contact your local Stevenson Service Experts office today.