First Time Homeowner? Here is Everything You Need to Know About Your HVAC System

Congratulations on your new home! Although it’s natural to feel overwhelmed by all of the new responsibilities that come with it, you are undoubtedly excited about your investment. Now that you own your home instead of renting it, it is your responsibility to maintain all the utilities and appliances along with it, including the heating and cooling system.

If your only experience with a furnace or air conditioner has been adjusting the thermostat, there are some basics you’ll need to know. Read on for some HVAC system recommendations for new homes and get off on the right foot!

Know Your HVAC System Components

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning are referred to as HVAC. Your new home likely has this system to keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. The main elements of an HVAC system are as follows:

  • Comfort equipment, like an air conditioner, air-source heat pump, furnace, boiler, geothermal heat pump, or ductless mini-split, to name a few options.
  • Ductwork fixed 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 products, such as an air filter, whole-house humidifier, whole-house dehumidifier, air purifier or energy-recovery ventilator.
  • Thermostat for indoor climate control.

Understand the Value of Preventive Maintenance

Your landlord likely took care of HVAC maintenance chores like changing the air filter when you were renting your house. They probably also took care of the payment for in-depth heating and cooling inspections as well.

Now that you’re in charge, you’ll need to give preventive maintenance the attention it needs. Start by carrying out the following DIY HVAC maintenance tasks:

  • The air filter should be changed every 30 to 90 days.
  • To improve ventilation, lightly rinse off the outdoor unit and trim back any plants.
  • To maintain optimum system balance, keep all air registers open.

After that, plan annual maintenance for each HVAC system. In-depth procedures like cleaning the furnace burners, replenishing the AC refrigerant, and locating air leaks in the ductwork can only be completed by a skilled professional.

Benefits of getting a professional to check your system once a year include the following:

  • Power savings
  • Fewer failures
  • Less expensive repair costs
  • Enhanced comfort in the household
  • Prolonged system life
  • Peace of mind

Be Alert For Potential Problems

As the homeowner, the buck stops with you. Keep an eye out for these warning signs to know when to call a heating and cooling contractor:

Excessive noise: Pay attention to any hammering, clanging, rattling, or screeching sounds. It could be your heater or air conditioner calling for help!

Inconvenience or poor air quality: HVAC system problems are frequently associated with erratic temperatures, high or low humidity, stuffy spaces, and musty aromas. Prioritize comfort over the inconvenience of having to call for help with your system.

Energy inefficient: Do your bills seem to be going up mysteriously? This could indicate that your HVAC system isn’t operating properly.

Old Systems: HVAC systems will eventually break down, just like other appliances. A furnace or boiler typically lasts 15 years, whereas an air conditioner or heat pump is only good for roughly ten.

What You Need to Know about HVAC Replacement

If your broken furnace or air conditioner can’t be fixed, you’ll need to have an HVAC expert help you replace it. Here is what to expect:

  • Give the technician a detailed explanation of the issue so they can investigate it further.
  • The specialist will next determine the issue and suggest potential fixes. Although a repair might be possible, given the unit’s age and condition, it may be more cost-effective to replace the unit.
  • If you like, you might ask different contractors for their insights and price quotes.
  • A home sales consultant from Martin Air will discuss which HVAC system, brand, and efficiency rating is ideal for you when you get in touch with them.
  • The technician will create a formal estimate outlining the required work, the equipment they will install, and the total cost. You might also learn about financing options, service plans, and warranty coverage.
  • Once you have decided on the system you want, make an appointment for installation. Everything will be taken care of by your professional, including transporting the outdated machinery for proper disposal.
  • Your technician will go through the new system with you in detail, answer any questions you might have, and provide you with all the appropriate documentation.

Need a hand?

If you are just getting to know your new HVAC system, our highly skilled technicians can help answer any questions you have.

Whether it’s time for yearly maintenance, routine inspection, or replacement, our team is committed to keeping your home comfortable and safe with energy-efficient HVAC products and services. With world-class workmanship, five-star customer care, with industry-leading technology, we make beating the harsh Arizona climate in the summer or winter a great investment!

Your comfort is safe with Martin Air. Backed by decades of experience, our courteous and dependable service technicians have served as a trusted choice for home and business owners throughout Phoenix, Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Tempe, Chandler, Gilbert, Queen Creek area.

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