Revised:
March 28th, 2023
As a new homeowner, do you know the heating and cooling basics you should? If not, in this video we will discuss what you need to know about your heating and cooling systems.
Hi, I’m Bryan from Fire & Ice. As a residential sales professional, I have helped thousands of Central Ohio new homeowners navigate the complexities of their new home’s heating and cooling system. At Fire & Ice we believe in giving our customers as much information as they need. In this video, we’re going to review some of the top things you should know as a new homeowner about your HVAC system.
What Does HVAC Stand for?
Before we get into the nitty gritty basics, you should know what the acronym HVAC stands for. It stands for Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning. It refers to your entire home comfort system, which is responsible for moving and regulating the air throughout your home.
What is the Most Common HVAC System?
The most common HVAC system in Ohio is a traditional system. It includes an air conditioner and a furnace with ductwork throughout your home. It is also worth noting that there are other types of HVAC systems, such as Heat Pumps, Ductless Mini-Splits, Propane, and Oil Furnaces. However, they are less common than a traditional system.
How to Determine the Age of My HVAC System?
HVAC systems typically last between 15-20 years. However, with regular maintenance, some systems can have longer lifespans. It’s important to know the age of your system so you can estimate how much useful life may be left. The easiest way to determine your HVAC system’s age is by finding the serial number and contacting the manufacturer or using Google to find the information.
Is My HVAC System Still Under the Manufacturer's Warranty?
The easiest way to determine if your HVAC system is still under the manufacturer's warranty is to call the manufacturer directly. They can look up your warranty plan and let you know if your warranty is still valid using your furnace’s serial number.
Have your ducts been cleaned?
Chances are likely that your new home’s ducts are packed with dust and debris from the previous owners. We recommend cleaning them every three to five years, whereas most homes haven’t had them been cleaned in over 10 years if they have ever been cleaned.
Find a heating and cooling professional
Keeping your system in good working order is a matter of regular maintenance. We recommend servicing your system twice a year, once for the heating season and once for the cooling season. It’s important to find a licensed professional to perform this seasonal maintenance and to maintain your HVAC system’s warranty.
What Can A Homeowner Do to Maintain Their HVAC System?
Homeowners can do simple maintenance tasks to keep their HVAC units in tip-top shape. Including but not limited to:
-Cleaning out the condensation drain. This drain can get clogged if it's not regularly cleaned.
- Cleaning the area around your AC unit. Your outdoor AC unit will need a little T.L.C. between tune-ups. Our HVAC experts recommend removing any large debris and nearby plant growth to prevent clogging.
- Seal your home from all incoming drafts. Check all windows, doors, chimneys, and electrical outlets for drafts. If you feel any drafts, cover them immediately.
- And finally change your air filter. I cannot stress changing your air filters enough! Clogged air filters lead to less energy efficiency and more heating and air conditioner maintenance costs.
What Are the Next Steps?
I hope by now you have a better understanding of your new home’s HVAC system. If you’d like to schedule a service appointment for your system, click the schedule service button at the top of the screen. Thank you for watching and we look forward to making your day better.
Article of interest: HVAC 101: Heating and Cooling Basics for New Homeowners
