HVAC System Basics for New Homeowners

Congratulations on buying 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 the owner, 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 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 an idyllic climate, your new home most likely has this system to keep you warm through the winter and cool throughout 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 choices.
• Ductwork attached to return and supply registers in the case of air-forced systems such as ACs, heat pumps and furnaces.
• Radiators or hot water distribution systems such as boilers.
• Indoor air quality solutions, such as an air filter, whole-house humidifier, whole-house dehumidifier, air purifier or energy-recovery ventilator.
• Thermostat for indoor temperature control.

Understand 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 responsible for this, 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 cut back vegetation to improve airflow.
• Keep all air registers open to preserve proper system balance.

Then, arrange yearly maintenance for each HVAC unit. Only a trained professional can complete in-depth tasks like cleaning the furnace burners, recharging the AC refrigerant and identifying air leaks in the ductwork. Expect the following benefits when you call a professional to inspect your system once a year:

• Energy savings
• Fewer breakdowns
• More affordable repair bills
• Improved 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 squealing, rattling, clanking or banging sound. It could be a cry for help from the furnace or air conditioner.
• Comfort or air quality problems: Erratic temperatures, high or low humidity, stuffy rooms and musty odors are regularly 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 around a decade.

Understand the HVAC Replacement Process

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

• Illustrate the problem to your technician and permit them to explore it more in-depth.
• The technician will diagnose the problem and suggest possible solutions. A repair might be feasible, but based on the unit’s condition and age, a replacement may be more cost-effective.
• You can secure various opinions and estimates from assorted contractors if you want.
• When you work with Aramendia Plumbing, Heating and Air, a residential sales consultant will determine what HVAC system, brand, fuel type and efficiency rating is best for you.
• The technician should provide a written estimate describing the work required, the equipment they’ll install and the total price. You should also receive information about warranty coverage, service plans and financing options.
• Schedule the installation once you figure out what system you want. Your technician will handle everything, including hauling away the old equipment for appropriate disposal.
• The sales consultant will review the new system with you, explaining how to use it, answering any questions and providing all the necessary documentation.

Call Aramendia Plumbing, Heating and Air

If you have questions about these HVAC system basics, don’t hesitate Aramendia Plumbing, Heating and Air. We focus on customer education to help you make an informed 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 information or to ask about an estimate, please contact your local Aramendia Plumbing, Heating and Air office today.