HVAC System Basics for New Homeowners

Congrats on buying your first home! You are undoubtedly thrilled with your investment, though you may 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, including the heating and cooling equipment.

If the only interaction you’ve ever experienced with a furnace or air conditioner is to adjust the thermostat, you have plenty 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 the perfect climate, your new home probably has this system to keep you warm through 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 possibilities.
• Ductwork attached 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 equipment, 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 rented, your landlord probably handled any 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 taking care of things, you can give preventive maintenance the attention it deserves. First, perform these do-it-yourself HVAC maintenance tasks:

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

Then, schedule yearly maintenance for each HVAC unit. Only an experienced 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 perks when you hire a professional to inspect your system once a year:

• Energy savings
• Fewer breakdowns
• Lower repair bills
• Enhanced 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 ignore a screeching, rattling, clanking or banging sound. It could be a cry for help from the furnace or air conditioner.
• Comfort or air quality trouble: Uneven temperatures, high or low humidity, stuffy rooms and musty odors are often linked to faulty HVAC equipment.
• Low energy efficiency: Are your bills mysteriously on the rise? This could mean your heating and cooling system isn’t working right.
• Old age: Like all mechanical equipment, HVAC systems eventually wear out. The average life span of a furnace or boiler is 15 years, while air conditioners and heat pumps can live about a decade.

Understand the HVAC Replacement Process

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

• Explain the problem to the technician and permit them to explore it more in-depth.
• The tech will diagnose the problem and suggest possible solutions. A repair might be feasible, but depending on the unit’s condition and age, a replacement may be more cost-effective.
• You can acquire multiple opinions and estimates from different contractors if you so choose.
• When you work with Air Engineers Service Experts, a residential sales consultant will determine what HVAC system, brand, fuel type and efficiency rating is best for you.
• The technician will then provide a written estimate detailing the work needed, the equipment they’ll install and the final cost. You should also receive information about warranty coverage, service plans and financing options.
• Schedule the installation once you decide what system you want. Your technician will take care of everything, even hauling away the old equipment for proper disposal.
• The sales consultant can walk through the new system with you, explaining how to use it, helping with any questions and giving you all the necessary documentation.

Call Air Engineers Service Experts

If you have questions about these HVAC system fundamentals, call Air Engineers Service Experts. We prioritize customer education to help you make an educated decision about your home comfort system. Our team is proficient 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 request an estimate, please contact your local Air Engineers Service Experts office today.