HVAC System Basics for New Homeowners

Congrats on buying your first home! You are undoubtedly thrilled with your investment, though 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 come across with a furnace or air conditioner is to adjust the thermostat, you have a lot to learn. Try 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 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 connected to return and supply registers in the case of air-forced systems including 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 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:

• Replace 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 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 your furnace or air conditioner.
• Comfort or air quality issues: Inconsistent temperatures, high or low humidity, stuffy rooms and musty odors are often 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 right.
• 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 last about a decade.

Understand the HVAC Replacement Process

If your defective 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 take a closer look at it more in-depth.
• The professional will next diagnose the problem and suggest possible solutions. A repair could 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 Peachtree 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 Peachtree Service Experts

If you have questions about these HVAC system basics, don’t hesitate Peachtree Service Experts. We prioritize customer education to help you make an educated decision about your home comfort system. Our team is well-versed 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 for an estimate, please get in touch with your local Peachtree Service Experts office today.