HVAC System Basics for New Homeowners

Well done on picking out your first home! You are undoubtedly thrilled with your investment, though you may feel overwhelmed by all your new responsibilities. Now that you’re a homeowner, not the renter, it’s your job to care for 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 adjust the thermostat, you have more 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 an idyllic climate, your new home probably has this system to keep you warm through the winter and cool for the summer. Here are the basic parts of an HVAC system:

• Comfort units, such as 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 when it comes to air-forced systems such as 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 rented, your landlord probably handled any HVAC maintenance tasks like replacing the air filter. They may or may not have paid 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:

• Change the air filter every 30 to 90 days.
• Gently hose down the outdoor unit and cut back vegetation to improve airflow.
• Keep all air registers open to preserve 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 measuring air leaks in the ductwork. Expect the following benefits when you call a professional to inspect your system annually:

• 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 neglect a squealing, rattling, clanking or banging sound. It could be a cry for help from your furnace or air conditioner.
• Comfort or air quality trouble: Uneven temperatures, high or low humidity, stuffy rooms and musty odors are often associated with malfunctioning HVAC equipment.
• Poor energy efficiency: Are your bills mysteriously on the rise? This can 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 just 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 that works:

• Describe the problem to the contractor and let them explore it more in-depth.
• The technician will next diagnose the problem and recommend possible solutions. A repair may be feasible, but depending on the unit’s condition and age, a replacement may be more cost-effective.
• You can obtain numerous opinions and estimates from different contractors if you so choose.
• When you work with Midland Air Service Experts, a residential sales consultant will go over what HVAC system, brand, fuel type and efficiency rating is perfect for you.
• The technician should provide a written estimate detailing the work necessary, the equipment they’ll install and the total price. You might also get information about warranty coverage, service plans and financing options.
• Schedule the installation once you decide what system you want. Your technician will complete everything, including hauling away the old equipment for proper disposal.
• The sales consultant will go over the new system with you, detailing how to use it, answering any questions and giving you all the necessary documentation.

Call Midland Air Service Experts

If you have questions about these HVAC system fundamentals, feel free]] to reach out to Midland Air 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 call your local Midland Air Service Experts office today.