Buying a new home is an incredibly exciting step for your family, especially if you’re purchasing your first home. Whether you previously lived in an apartment or a rental home, you might not have been responsible for maintaining your HVAC system. Instead, you may have relied on your landlord to take care of these systems.
While this might seem intimidating, there are several easy ways for new homeowners to ensure their HVAC systems stay in great condition. If you’re about to move into your first home, keep reading to learn more about how our team recommends new homeowners maintain their systems to ensure comfort year-round.
What HVAC System Do You Have In Your Home?
The first step in caring for your HVAC system as a new homeowner is to understand what type of HVAC system you have in your home. There are a few different systems, depending on your home’s layout. Some of the most common HVAC systems you may encounter in your new home include standard heaters, air conditioners, and ductless mini-split systems.
Standard heaters and air conditioners are the most common setups in homes, especially when moving into a new construction home. However, if you live in an older home without air ducts, you may have a ductless mini-split. This system hangs on your walls and has an accompanying outdoor unit that heats and cools your home throughout the year.
Upgrading Your Thermostat
Your thermostat is the brain of your HVAC system. As a new homeowner, it’s essential to check the device’s settings, especially as the seasons change. You might believe you’re experiencing HVAC issues when, in reality, your thermostat is set to heat instead of cool. Double-check this when switching systems to ensure your comfort as temperatures change.
Additionally, upon moving into a new home, it might be a good idea to consider upgrading to a smart thermostat. These thermostats learn your schedule and adjust heating and cooling to help you save money on your monthly energy bills. They also allow you to change your thermostat from your phone, making them a great investment in your home’s heating and cooling system.
The Importance of Regularly Changing Air Filters
One of the easiest and best ways for new homeowners to care for their HVAC systems is by regularly changing their air filters. Your air filters prevent large debris, pollen, and allergens from entering the system, which can further aggravate existing respiratory problems. As your air filters get dirty, it can restrict airflow, making the system work harder.
Over time, this may lead to higher energy bills and premature system breakdown. To keep your HVAC system in great working condition, change these filters at least every 90 days. However, if you have extreme allergies or pets in the home, you may want to replace them more frequently, as often as every 30 days.
Keep the Outdoor Unit Clean
As the seasons change and you prepare to switch from one system to another, it’s a good idea for new homeowners to pay close attention to the outdoor unit. When inclement weather rolls into town, wind, rain, and snow can leave these units covered in debris. While this might not seem like a problem, it can lead to functional problems during regular use.
Make sure to trim any surrounding trees and bushes. Additionally, remove any loose organic debris like leaves and grass clippings. You may also want to consider building a barrier that prevents a great deal of debris from accumulating across the system, as this can make seasonal cleanup much easier.
Schedule Twice-Yealy Professional Maintenance
The easiest way for new homeowners to care for their HVAC system is by scheduling twice-yearly maintenance with a trusted HVAC professional. While there is some maintenance you can perform yourself, like changing air filters, other, more complex maintenance should be performed by trained and licensed professionals.
Attempting to maintain your system without proper training or experience may result in further problems. You may miss minor problems within the system that a professional would catch, leading to further system damage down the line. If you want to avoid this damage altogether, it’s essential that you schedule professional maintenance.
When to Replace Your HVAC System
While maintenance is a great way to keep your system in great condition, they are not infallible. Over time, the components within your system may deteriorate and you’ll need to plan for replacement. Your system has an anticipated lifespan of 20-30 years. If your system is regularly breaking down, this might signal that it’s time for replacement.
Although you may want to put off this replacement as a new homeowner, it may ultimately cost far more to continue repairing the same system continuously. Not only will replacing your HVAC system save you money on repairs, but it will also run more efficiently than older systems, saving you money on your home’s monthly energy bills.
Supporting New Homeowners Across Roy and Beyond
As a new homeowner, staying on top of your HVAC system’s maintenance will save you time, money, and stress down the road. With simple tasks like changing filters, keeping vents clear, and scheduling regular maintenance appointments, you can enjoy a comfortable and energy-efficient home for years to come.
Whether you’re a new homeowner or a long-term resident, our R&D Heating & Air team is ready to support you through your HVAC journey. From simple filter changes to maintenance, repairs, and replacement, we’re here to do it all.
If you’d like to learn more about our HVAC services or schedule an appointment with our team, contact us today.
