HVAC Servicing: Basics for Homeowners

Are you a new homeowner and are wondering what an HVAC system is and how it works? Keep reading to learn more about the basics of HVAC servicing for homeowners.

Owning a home comes with a lot of things to know and a lot of responsibility. So many things go into the functions of your home that ensure everything works efficiently and effectively. Things like the HVAC system may seem like not your problem. However, it is something important you should know about since your home is an investment.

Home heating and cooling systems claim more than half of total household energy consumption and can cost you thousands of dollars to replace. Keeping your HVAC system in the best condition to save money in many ways is very important. 

Buying your first home may seem overwhelming, but it does not need to be. Knowing all your responsibilities and simple things can significantly impact your bills and your life. If you are stressed about owning a house, get in contact with a trustworthy agent to help with the stress. 

Here are the things you should know about an HVAC system.

1. What is HVAC?

HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. HVAC systems heat and cool the whole house and work with many other equipment throughout the house, such as furnaces, air conditioners, thermostats, and ductwork. 

The systems work by moving the air between outside and inside to keep the house warm or cool depending on the season as well as your personal preferences. HVAC systems may also filter and clean the air inside, maintain humidity levels, conserve energy, and do other things. 

Most HVAC maintenance you need to do as a homeowner is proactive and preventive because a lot can go wrong with your system that can cause damage, loss of money, higher utility bills, and issues with the air. Knowing your HVAC system and all the little tips and tricks around it can be very beneficial in the long run. 

2. Types of HVAC Systems

There are some standard HVAC systems to choose from. Here are the most common types.

• Standard Split System:
  • This system has two parts of it; one is outside the house while the other one is inside the home. These systems offer many different options to choose from and are primarily affordable compared to others. They can be split in a combination of different ways.
  • Furnace and Air Conditioner:
    • The system's furnace portion is usually inside the home, while the air conditioner is installed outside. A furnace burns.  Fuel is distributed through the house while they are out of the house and transferred to the outside. 
  • Heat Pump Split System:
    • Common for mild climates that do not reach freezing. This system includes a condenser or compressor that is installed outside, and the air handler is in the inside of the home. During the heating season, a heat pump moves heat from outdoors inside the home, and during the cooling season, it removes it from the home
  • Furnace and Heat Pump:
    • This is a hybrid system that contains a split system with two heat sources. This is usually used in colder climates where the heat pump operates during moderate weather and switches to the furnace when temperatures drop. 
• Ductless Split System:
  • This system can be used in buildings that do not have ductwork. In the most basic form, these systems include one outdoor and one indoor unit that is connected through refrigerant tubing and electrical wiring. 
• Packaged System:
  • Installed all outside with some components in one unit and some connected to the ductwork through a hole in the outside wall. These types can include gas, heat pumps, and hybrid. 
• Geothermal HVAC System: 
  • This is a heating and cooling system that operates much differently than a traditional furnace. A geothermal heat pump exchanges heat between the ground or water source and the air to heat the home. The cooling process is very similar to an air conditioner; however, it uses the ground as its heat sink. These systems offer excellent energy efficiency but tend to be more expensive. 

3. Maintaining an HVAC System

It is essential to take care of your HVAC system on a regular basis because if not, then you will have to pay for any damages or complications, which can be costly and very inconvenient. Here are some everyday things homeowners should do to maintain their HVAC system to keep it in excellent condition all year long. 

1. Change the air filter
   1. Doing this every three months is recommended to keep the system running smoothly and improve air quality. 
2. Clean the outdoor condensing unit
   1. At the start of every season, remove any debris from the unit and spray down the outside to clean off any grime or dirt that has been building up. 
3. Clean the outdoor unit
   1. Clear out any plants or dirt that have been building up in the way to eliminate interference. Make sure the bushes and trees around are at least two feet on all sides. 
4. Check the air conditioner drain line
   1. Make sure to clear out any blockage that has been building up in the drain line to prevent breakdowns or any interior leaks. 
5. Get regular maintenance
   1. Bring out an HVAC technician at least once a year to check out the system and perform inspections to extend the lifespan of the system life. 

4. Common HVAC Problems

Many things can go wrong with your HVAC system. Some problems may be more common than others, but it all depends on the system you have, how you maintain it, and other things. Knowing problems ahead of time can help you prevent them and learn how to fix them. Here are some everyday things to look out for. 

Corrosion

When wiring and moisture come together, you will always have the potential for corrosion to occur. Any wines or terminals related to the HVAC system can lead to corrosion and will generally cause the heating or cooling system to turn on and off on its own. It will also make the system work harder and lead to a break of the entire system over time. 

Dirt and Debris

Any part of the HVAC system, filters, electrical panel, and anything part of it can build up debris over time. The system needs to be cleaned regularly and be free of debris. Debris will cause the system to work inefficiently, and any dirty filters will just pump dust and allergens into the home, reducing air quality and damaging the system by clogging it. Take the necessary steps to clean out the plan regularly to prevent this. 

Leaks

Every HVAC connector and drain line can develop leaks, which can force your system to run harder than it should and make you have to replace one or more components at once. Making sure you check to make sure there are no leaks from the refrigerant lines and other lines is vital so nothing gets damaged. 

5. Average Maintenance and Repair Costs

An HVAC system should not cost you so much money if you take the preventative care steps and keep up with the maintenance. Costs to budget for high-efficiency air filters are a common thing many people buy a year, which go out to be $20 each. If you hire a technician to come and perform maintenance, it will be about $70-$100 per visit. However, each of these prices does vary depending on the companies. 

According to HVAC.com, here are some average HVAC repair costs so you can plan ahead and budget accordingly. 

6. Signs You Need To Replace HVAC

Knowing the signs that you need to place your HVAC system is important. The purpose of regular maintenance is to keep the system running at the top quality it can, and if you do an excellent job at doing so, it should last a long time. However, it is normal to need to repair some parts over time.

Things happen, and not everything is perfect, so knowing when you need a repair or replacement is essential. Here are some common signs that you need a technician to come out to take a look if you do not know how to fix them on your own. 

• The system turns itself off and on intermittently
• System is only blowing warm air out
• You notice an imbalance in the air temperature around the home
• System is making odd noises or operating at a louder volume than usual
• Poor airflow
• Energy bills are going up unexpectedly

If you keep up to date on your maintenance, you can prevent many of these common problems, so you do not need to pay for any expensive repairs. If you are unsure if someone is wrong, call out a pro to make sure you do not take any unnecessary steps. 

7. HVAC Replacement Process

If part of your HVAC system is in need of a repair or replacement, make sure you know how to get that done and what the whole process looks like. Here is a simple step-by-step process of how the HVAC replacement should go.

1. Describe the problem to the technician and let them look into it
2. The technician should diagnose the problem and offer solutions; these may vary depending on the condition and issue 
3. Sometimes, you may need to get a few opinions and estimates if you are not sure 
4. When working with a professional, they should go over what HVAC system, brand, and type will work best for you and your home
5. The technician should provide a written estimate detailing the work required, the total price, and installation, and warranty plans and options available
6. Schedule the installation once you decide what you want
7. The technician will take care of everything, including removing the old system
8. A consultant can go over the new system, explaining anything you need to know as well as giving you the necessary documentation you will need

FAQS

What is the checklist when servicing HVAC?

When serving an HVAC, replace all your unit filters. Check the outside unit, clear any dirt or debris, and ensure everything is closed off. Check for leaks, proper airflow, any clogs, or anything that may look torn or dirty. 

What is routine maitnance for HVAC?

Routine maintenance for HVAC will include thoroughly cleaning all elements and drains and inspecting connections, operations, and functionality to ensure the system is working at its full performance and no repairs or replacements are needed.

How often should HVAC be serviced?

Your HVAC, no matter what type or kind you have, should be inspected, cleaned, and serviced at least once a year. It is also best to check the heating in the fall before winter comes along and in the spring for summer. 

HVAC Servicing: Basics for Homeowners - The Bottom Line

Owning a home can be overwhelming, especially if it's your first time. However, it doesn't have to be. Understanding your responsibilities and some simple things can make a huge difference in your bills and overall quality of life.

When you own a home, there are many things to consider and take care of. Your home has various systems that need to function efficiently and effectively, such as the HVAC system. Although it may seem like it's not your problem, it's essential to know about it.

In fact, home heating and cooling systems account for over half of total household energy consumption and can cost you thousands of dollars to replace. Therefore, keeping your HVAC system in good condition is essential to save money in many ways.

If you are considering moving, contact us or visit our website. Our team at Raleigh Realty is here to help you with any home buying or selling needs.