HVAC System Basics for New Homeowners

Well done on picking out your first home! You are undoubtedly thrilled with your investment, though you may also feel overwhelmed by all your new responsibilities. Now that you’re the owner, not the renter, it’s your job to maintain all your home’s appliances and systems, like the heating and cooling equipment.

If the only interaction you’ve ever had with a furnace or air conditioner is to adjust the thermostat, you have a lot to learn. Get a head start with these HVAC system basics for new 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 basic 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 options.
• Ductwork fixed to return and supply registers with regards to air-forced systems like ACs, heat pumps and furnaces.
• Radiators or hot water distribution systems such as boilers.
• Indoor air quality solutions, including an air filter, whole-house humidifier, whole-house dehumidifier, air purifier or energy-recovery ventilator.
• Thermostat for indoor climate control.

Recognize the Importance of Preventive Maintenance

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

Now that you’re in charge, 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 pare back vegetation to enhance airflow.
• Keep all air registers open to maintain proper system balance.

Then, request yearly maintenance for each HVAC unit. Only a trained 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
• Improved home comfort
• Longer system life span
• Peace of mind

Look Out for Signs of Trouble

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

• Excessive noise: Don’t dismiss a whining, rattling, clanking or banging sound. It could be a cry for help from your home’s furnace or air conditioner.
• Comfort or air quality issues: Inconsistent temperatures, high or low humidity, stuffy rooms and musty odors are regularly associated with malfunctioning HVAC equipment.
• Poor energy efficiency: Are your bills suddenly on the rise? This could mean your heating and cooling system isn’t working properly.
• 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 last about a decade.

Understand the HVAC Replacement Process

If your finicky furnace or air conditioner can’t be repaired, you’ll need to replace it with an HVAC contractor’s help. Here’s how this works:

• Illustrate the problem to your technician and allow them to investigate it more in-depth.
• The technician will diagnose the problem and suggest possible solutions. A repair might be feasible, but based on the unit’s condition and age, a replacement may be more cost-effective.
• You can secure multiple opinions and estimates from different contractors if you so choose.
• When you work with Midway Services, a residential sales consultant will determine what HVAC system, brand, fuel type and efficiency rating is perfect for you.
• The technician should provide a written estimate describing the work required, the equipment they’ll install and the final cost. You might also get information about warranty coverage, service plans and financing options.
• Schedule the installation as soon as you pick what system you want. Your technician will take care of everything, even hauling away the old equipment for safe disposal.
• The sales consultant will walk through the new system with you, describing how to use it, answering any questions and offering all the necessary documentation.

Call Midway Services

If you have questions about these HVAC system basics, don’t hesitate Midway Services. We emphasize customer education to help you make an educated decision about your home comfort system. Our team is experienced 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 information or to ask about an estimate, please contact your local Midway Services office today.