Buying a home for the first time is an exciting and rewarding accomplishment. However, it also comes with a list of responsibilities, such as taking care of your HVAC system. If you’re hoping to stay comfortable inside your new living space throughout the year, use these three tips to preserve your unit and decide when to replace it.

3 HVAC Tips for First-Time Homeowners

1. Prioritize Preventive Maintenance

If you notice anything strange about your HVAC system, such as odd smells, noises, or high energy bills, it’s crucial to call a professional technician. They can troubleshoot the issue before it turns into a major problem—at the start, you may simply need a duct cleaning or a new belt or fan.

It’s also smart to schedule a yearly tuneup. Even if nothing seems wrong with your system, this appointment works similar to a dentist checkup. The technician can inspect your thermostat, blower, filter, compressor, and other essential parts to increase the efficiency of the system and, subsequently, increase its life span.

2. Keep It Clean

An important task to complete that will preserve your HVAC system is changing the filter. This screen captures contaminants floating around your indoor air, such as pollen, pet hair, dust, and dirt.

By changing it once every three months, you can both improve indoor air quality and allow maximum airflow throughout your unit. In addition to changing the filter, stick to the same schedule when cleaning the vents that release the air into each of your rooms.

3. Know When to Replace

Finally, it’s important to find out from the previous homeowners when your HVAC system was installed. While most systems are expected to last around 15 to 20 years, every household is different.

At a certain point, a replacement may save you more money than multiple repairs, thanks to the increased efficiency of modern systems. As you approach the estimated end of your system’s life span, you can talk with a technician about the current state of your system, and whether a replacement is worth it.

If you’ve just bought a house and are looking for a reliable team to look after the HVAC system, reach out to Overcashier & Horst Heating and Air Conditioning in Sylvania, OH. They have over 60 years of experience repairing and replacing HVAC systems, and they will tell you everything you need to know about your current unit. If something goes wrong in the middle of the night, you can call them for 24-hour assistance. To learn more about their high-quality inventory, visit the website or call (419) 841-3333 to schedule a free estimate.