{"id":17061,"date":"2022-05-09T14:43:27","date_gmt":"2022-05-09T18:43:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/acdesigns1.wpenginepowered.com\/?p=17061"},"modified":"2022-05-09T14:43:27","modified_gmt":"2022-05-09T18:43:27","slug":"hvac-tips-and-tricks-for-new-homeowners","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.acdesignsinc.net\/blog\/air-conditioning-service\/hvac-tips-and-tricks-for-new-homeowners\/","title":{"rendered":"HVAC Tips and Tricks for New Homeowners"},"content":{"rendered":"

Finding your new home is an exciting time\u2014and with so much to consider, the HVAC system isn\u2019t usually at the top of your mind. But if your new home\u2019s AC system isn\u2019t working properly, you\u2019ll be stuck feeling hot, humid, and uncomfortable. Here\u2019s our top advice for new homeowners to ensure your AC runs properly from move-in day and lasts for years to come.<\/span><\/p>\n

Review Your HVAC Unit\u2019s History<\/b><\/h2>\n
Check the AC Warranty<\/b><\/h5>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Review Past AC Maintenance History<\/b><\/h5>\n

To get a clear picture of your HVAC system\u2019s 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Schedule Your Own AC Maintenance<\/b><\/h5>\n

If the previous homeowner can\u2019t share a warranty or past maintenance records, it\u2019s 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\u2019t be caught without a working cooling system in the heat of summer.<\/span><\/p>\n

Consider New AC Installation<\/b><\/h5>\n

Prepare yourself for the possibility that your new home\u2019s AC system may need to be replaced. Our Florida weather is hot and humid year-round, putting extra strain on units. Don\u2019t be fooled by the unit\u2019s age, either. If the unit wasn\u2019t maintained properly, or if the wrong size of unit was installed in the first place, it could wear out before its time.<\/span><\/p>\n

AC Installation for a New System<\/b><\/h2>\n

In case you do decide to install a new unit at move-in, you\u2019ll need to consider a variety of factors to ensure you get the right heating and cooling system for your home.<\/span><\/p>\n

Choose the Right Type of System<\/b><\/h5>\n

Whether your home is older or newer, you\u2019ll have to decide on the type of system that\u2019s 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 <\/span>when building a new home<\/span><\/a>, because you\u2019ll need to budget for the cost of a new HVAC system.<\/span><\/p>\n

Consider Energy Efficiency<\/b><\/h5>\n

Budgeting goes beyond the initial cost for HVAC installation, too. We recommend taking a close look at the HVAC unit\u2019s efficiency rating to save you money on energy bills in the long run.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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).<\/span><\/p>\n

DIY AC Maintenance<\/b><\/h2>\n

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\u2019t let your unit work too hard by fluctuating the temperature or running it too high or low.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Set Your Thermostat for Energy Efficiency<\/b><\/h5>\n

The AC owner\u2019s 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\u2019re away.<\/span><\/p>\n

Change Your AC Filter Regularly<\/b><\/h5>\n

Particle buildup clogs your ac filters, so we recommend changing them at least every 30\u201390 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ensure Proper Airflow<\/b><\/h5>\n

But what happens when there\u2019s 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Schedule Professional HVAC Maintenance<\/b><\/h5>\n

The simplest way to keep your system running smoothly is to have <\/span>a qualified HVAC service company<\/span><\/a> perform regular AC maintenance.<\/span><\/p>\n

Enroll in an AC Maintenance Plan<\/b><\/h4>\n

It\u2019s 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Our technicians will treat you like a person and care for your unit like it\u2019s our own. With <\/span>AC Designs\u2019 Preferred Customer Maintenance Program<\/span><\/a>, you\u2019ll 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

HVAC Tips & Tricks Takeaways:<\/b><\/h2>\n