HVAC System Basics for New Homeowners

Well done on buying your first home! You are undoubtedly thrilled with your investment, although you might feel overwhelmed by all your new responsibilities. Now that you’re a homeowner, 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 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 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 units, 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 with regards to air-forced systems like 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 climate control.

Recognize the Importance of Preventive Maintenance

When you rented, your landlord probably managed any HVAC maintenance tasks like replacing the air filter. They may or may not have also handled the bill for thorough heating and cooling inspections.

Now that you’re in charge, you can give preventive maintenance the attention it deserves. First, prioritize 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 increase airflow.
• Keep all air registers open to sustain proper system balance.

Then, schedule 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 measuring 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

Keep an Eye 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 neglect a squealing, 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: Erratic temperatures, high or low humidity, stuffy rooms and musty odors are often linked to defective HVAC equipment.
• Poor energy efficiency: Are your bills mysteriously on the rise? This might mean your heating and cooling system isn’t working correctly.
• Old age: Like all mechanical systems, 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 finicky 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 your technician and permit them to explore it more in-depth.
• The tech will diagnose the problem and suggest 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 obtain various opinions and estimates from available contractors if you prefer.
• When you work with Levy & Son Service Experts, a residential sales consultant will go over what HVAC system, brand, fuel type and efficiency rating is best for you.
• The technician will then supply you with a written estimate outlining the work needed, the equipment they’ll install and the overall cost. You may also be given information about warranty coverage, service plans and financing options.
• Schedule the installation after 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 Levy & Son Service Experts

If you have questions about these HVAC system fundamentals, feel free]] to reach out to Levy & Son 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 Levy & Son Service Experts office today.