HVAC 101: HEATING AND COOLING

As a new homeowner, do you know the heating and cooling basics?

At Ashley, 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.

Before we get into the nitty gritty basics, you should know what the acronym HVAC stands for. It stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning.

It refers to your entire home's comfort system, which is responsible for moving and regulating the air throughout your home. The most common HVAC system in Idaho is a traditional split 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 split system.

HVAC systems typically last between 15 and 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 systems age is by finding the serial number and contacting the manufacturer, or using Google to find the information. The easiest way to determine if your HVAC system is still under 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 furnaces serial number.

Chances are likely that your new home's ducts are packed with dust and debris from the previous homeowners. We recommend cleaning them every 3 to 5 years, whereas most homes haven't had them cleaned in over ten years if they've ever been cleaned at all.

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 systems warranty.

Homeowners can do simple maintenance tasks to keep their HVAC units in tip top shape, including but not limited to, cleaning out the condensate drain. This drain can get clogged if it's not regularly cleaned.

Cleaning the area around your AC unit.

Your outdoor AC will need a little TLC between tuneups. 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 and doors, chimneys, and electrical outlets for drafts. If you feel any drafts, cover them immediately.

Change your air filter.

I cannot stress changing your air filter enough.

It is the number one cause of an issue in your HVAC system.

Clogging air filters lead to less energy efficiency and more heating and air conditioning maintenance costs.

I hope by now you have a better understanding of your new home's HVAC system.