HVAC System Basics for New Homeowners

Congratulations on purchasing your first home! You are undoubtedly thrilled with your investment, even though you may feel overwhelmed by all your new responsibilities. Now that you’re a homeowner, not the renter, it’s your job to take care of all your home’s appliances and systems, such as 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 plenty to learn. Get started 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 an idyllic climate, your new home likely has this system to keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Here are the basic parts of an HVAC system:

• Comfort equipment, 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 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 temperature control.

Appreciate 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 taking care of things, you can give preventive maintenance the attention it deserves. First, complete 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 sustain proper system balance.

Then, schedule yearly maintenance for each HVAC unit. Only a trained professional can execute in-depth tasks like cleaning the furnace burners, recharging the AC refrigerant and measuring air leaks in the ductwork. Expect the following benefits when you get 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

Watch 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 whining, 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 regularly tied to malfunctioning HVAC equipment.
• Reduced energy efficiency: Are your bills suddenly on the rise? This can mean your heating and cooling system isn’t functioning right.
• Old age: Like all mechanical utilities, HVAC systems eventually wear out. The average life span of a furnace or boiler is 15 years, while air conditioners and heat pumps run about a decade.

Understand the HVAC Replacement Process

If your damaged furnace or air conditioner can’t be repaired, 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 recommend possible solutions. A repair may be feasible, but based 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 Calverley Service Experts, a residential sales consultant will go over what HVAC system, brand, fuel type and efficiency rating is ideal for you.
• The technician will compose a written estimate detailing the work required, the equipment they’ll install and the total price. You may also be given info about warranty coverage, service plans and financing options.
• Schedule the installation once you pick what system you want. Your technician will take care of everything, including hauling away the old equipment for appropriate disposal.
• The sales consultant should go over the new system with you, explaining how to use it, answering any questions and offering all the necessary documentation.

Call Calverley Service Experts

If you have questions about these HVAC system guidelines, don’t wait Calverley Service Experts. We prioritize 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 info or to ask about an estimate, please contact your local Calverley Service Experts office today.