Owning a new home gives you a sense of security and a sudden affection to the new environment of your choice. Homeownership is an exciting experience, but also brings on new responsibilities. Here are a few tips around caring for your heating and air systems to help you save money in the long run.
HVAC Basics for New Homeowners
No one wants to worry about their AC or heating ventilation in a new home. However, understanding your HVAC system basics, routine maintenance, how to save money and what trouble signs to look for will help you care for your unit.
Know Your HVAC System
HVAC Systems are available on the market today in many varieties. They are heat pumps, furnaces, boilers, mini splits, and geothermal.
Heat pumps:
They come in different types but they all use the same principle, which is heat transfer. They are unique in their operation such that they don't burn fuel to generate heat unlike the other types of HVAC systems, but simply transfer heat from one point to the next. It is possible due to the characteristics of heat moving from a hot region to a colder one. As a new owner, you can choose a heat pump of your choice among the following; air source, ground source, and absorption.
Furnaces:
A gas furnace includes a burner, heat exchanger, ductwork and a vent. It uses both the gas and electricity and they are long-lasting up to twenty-five years. One notable disadvantage of this system is the filter getting dirty in winter, but the problem can be resolved by changing the filter.
Boilers:
Produces heat through a chemical reaction that takes place when fuels in the form of oil, coal or natural gas in the tank burn. The heat is supplied to the residential house through pipes. One advantage of boilers is that they heat up the house well and the heat emitted is more comfortable compared to other systems.
Mini Splits:
They are quiet and easy to install because they don't need ducts to transfer heat but they are connected to both indoor and outdoor units using a conduit or conductor.
Geothermal:
It is a relatively new source of heat to your home employing the use of the latest technology in HVAC industry. The heat energy can be stored for later usage, and it is environmentally friendly.
Routine Maintenance
Each system has a unique way of maintenance. The systems should be cleaned regularly to get rid of dust and debris to make them more efficient. You must make regular checks to find out where problems may arise. The system needs a checkup two times.
Saving Money
You can save money from your HVAC bills by keeping the heat low during summer. You can make it possible by keeping the curtains and blinds closed. You can also make use of nature's readily available energy to heat your home. Finally, you may opt for a programmable thermostat which is self-regulating rather than changing thermostat settings frequently. Make sure the system is clean for efficiency and replace old equipment with new ones.
Trouble Signs
Common signs of trouble are numerous but the most common are, lack of airflow, no temperature changes because of low refrigerant levels and strange sounds, such as rumbling, creaking or popping as a result of mechanical damage.
As a new homeowner, you can make your dwelling place comfortable by accessing services from Heating Ventilation and Conditioning (HVAC) to meet your requirements.
More Ways to Prepare for a New Home
Your home’s air quality matters. At David Gray Heating & Air, we can help you take care of all your air quality needs. Our trained technicians have the expertise and customer service to makes us a choice you can trust for your new home. We also offer design, plumbing and electrical services as well.