Finding your new home is an exciting time—and with so much to consider, the HVAC system isn’t usually at the top of your mind. But if your new home’s AC system isn’t working properly, you’ll be stuck feeling hot, humid, and uncomfortable. Here’s our top advice for new homeowners to ensure your AC runs properly from move-in day and lasts for years to come.
Review Your HVAC Unit’s History
Check the AC Warranty
The first step when buying your new home is to check if the AC unit has a warranty and review its terms and conditions. New homeowners will want to keep a copy of this warranty on hand in case any issues arise.
Review Past AC Maintenance History
To get a clear picture of your HVAC system’s history, ask if the previous homeowner will share past AC maintenance and inspection findings. This will tell you whether there were problems in the past and what to expect for the future.
Schedule Your Own AC Maintenance
If the previous homeowner can’t share a warranty or past maintenance records, it’s best to schedule a professional AC maintenance check as soon as possible. Your certified HVAC technician will identify any issues or needed repairs before they become a problem. That way, you won’t be caught without a working cooling system in the heat of summer.
Consider New AC Installation
Prepare yourself for the possibility that your new home’s AC system may need to be replaced. Our Florida weather is hot and humid year-round, putting extra strain on units. Don’t be fooled by the unit’s age, either. If the unit wasn’t maintained properly, or if the wrong size of unit was installed in the first place, it could wear out before its time.
AC Installation for a New System
In case you do decide to install a new unit at move-in, you’ll need to consider a variety of factors to ensure you get the right heating and cooling system for your home.
Choose the Right Type of System
Whether your home is older or newer, you’ll have to decide on the type of system that’s a match for the space. Options include a single central air conditioner, multiple systems, or a primary system with smaller units throughout the home. This is especially important when building a new home, because you’ll need to budget for the cost of a new HVAC system.
Consider Energy Efficiency
Budgeting goes beyond the initial cost for HVAC installation, too. We recommend taking a close look at the HVAC unit’s efficiency rating to save you money on energy bills in the long run.
Getting familiar with efficiency ratings can also help. They include SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio), EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio), AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency specific to furnaces, water heaters, and boilers), or HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor specific to heat pumps).
DIY AC Maintenance
To save money, you can perform your own AC maintenance. The good news is that there are several things you can do to ensure your AC is running efficiently. Don’t let your unit work too hard by fluctuating the temperature or running it too high or low.
Set Your Thermostat for Energy Efficiency
The AC owner’s manual may show a recommended energy-efficient temperature range. If not, the next time you have an AC inspection, ask the service technician what they recommend. Then, consider getting a programmable thermostat to keep your house at the right temperature even when you’re away.
Change Your AC Filter Regularly
Particle buildup clogs your ac filters, so we recommend changing them at least every 30–90 days. Proper airflow can be affected by your outdoor unit as well. Keep up yard maintenance around your unit to remove any obstructions near the air intake.
Ensure Proper Airflow
But what happens when there’s improper airflow? Seal any areas of your home that cause a draft, such as doorways or cracks around windows. Otherwise, the leaks will lower your HVAC efficiency.
It may also seem efficient to close vents to cool off other areas of your home quicker, but did you know that it can actually cause your unit to work harder? Keep all your vents open and remove any chairs, bookshelves, etc., that may be blocking the vent registers.
Schedule Professional HVAC Maintenance
The simplest way to keep your system running smoothly is to have a qualified HVAC service company perform regular AC maintenance.
Enroll in an AC Maintenance Plan
It’s a best practice to schedule a certified HVAC technician to run an AC inspection on your unit twice per year. When searching for an AC company in Jacksonville, FL, or an AC company in St. Augustine, FL, look for one that has served your area for years, like AC Designs. We provide custom system design, in-house energy calculations, and customizable maintenance.
Our technicians will treat you like a person and care for your unit like it’s our own. With AC Designs’ Preferred Customer Maintenance Program, you’ll benefit from regular HVAC maintenance on your unit to keep your home comfortable without worry. On top of that, joining our maintenance program helps save you money on HVAC costs in the long run.
HVAC Tips & Tricks Takeaways:
- Know Your Unit’s History
- For inherited units, get the maintenance report from the former owner.
- If there’s a warranty, understand its terms and conditions.
- Maintain the Unit
- Make sure there are no obstructions to airflow.
- Replace your filters every 30–90 days.
- Utilize a programmable thermostat to keep the temperature at recommended levels.
- Hire a Trusted HVAC Company
- Find a local company that has a long history of happy customers.
- Choose a maintenance plan that saves you time and money.
Are you ready to get your recommended AC maintenance on the books? Make an appointment with AC Designs. We take pride in being the number one family-owned and operated AC company in Jacksonville, Florida, and are proud to be a top AC company in St. Augustine, Florida.