Being a new homeowner is quite an exciting time, but it can also be overwhelming. You’re hiring movers, buying new furniture, deciding on paint colors, and making sure everything is perfect for when you move in. While you’re in the process of all of this, your new home’s air conditioning system is probably the last thing on your mind. Sure, you probably know if your new home has or doesn’t have AC, but do you know the details about the system and the maintenance it might require?
Summer is the season where everyone’s AC systems are on full blast, so it’s important to make sure you know exactly what to expect from your new home’s air conditioning and how to maintain it to keep it working properly.
For all the new homeowners, congratulations on your big purchase! Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about residential air conditioning.
Figure Out the Type of Air Conditioner Your New Home Has
Before you do anything, you need to figure out what type of air conditioning your new house has. There are a variety of AC systems, so we’ve given you a breakdown of the most common types below.
Central Air Conditioning
When we think of central AC, we think of a term that most people use to describe their home’s AC system. But do you know what central air conditioning does? Central AC is an effective whole-house solution for air conditioning. Essentially, with central AC, cool air is circulated through a system of supply and return ducts, where the air is forced through the ductwork and then into your home. Most central AC systems are a split-system unit, where there’s an indoor cabinet along with an outdoor condenser.
Heat Pumps
Heat pumps are where the confusion usually begins. While heat pumps are quite similar to central air conditioning, they are also a bit different. Heat pumps work the same way as central air by cooling the home with indoor and outdoor units, but they can also provide heating, essentially operating in reverse. While AC’s are responsible for moving heat from inside your home to the outside, heat pumps can do this as well as moving heat from the outside to the inside by reversing the refrigerant cycle.
Ductless Mini Splits
Ductless mini-split systems are quite convenient. Think of custom units placed in certain rooms of your home where each individual has control over their own temperature and you’ve got a ductless mini-split! These units provide custom heating and cooling, take up less space, and are usually mounted on the wall of each room they are located. They are also quite energy efficient and have become more popular over the years because of their convenience. Even though ductless mini-splits don’t require ductwork the way central AC does, they still use a refrigerant to cool your home just like central air.
Window AC Units
Window AC units are a space-saving and affordable option for those who don’t have the above types of air conditioning systems installed in their homes. Window units are just what their name says they are: units that fit into your window and cool that specific room. They are fairly easy to install on your own, but it’s always a good idea to have an extra set of hands to help you just in case. Window units are also easy to travel with and transport to other rooms of your house due to their small size and capability to be uninstalled and reinstalled somewhere else.
Maintaining Your AC System
Once you’ve figured out what type of AC system your new home has, it’s time to start thinking about maintenance. Yes, maintenance! AC systems tend to have long lifespans, but we still need to be taking care of them. Routine maintenance is a must when it comes to your home’s AC system, especially if it’s an older system.
Regular tune-ups will keep your AC in tip-top shape for when it’s needed the most. Finding a quality HVAC company like our team at Hedrick's Service Now to schedule annual AC maintenance is a step in the right direction!
At Hedrick's Service Now, we understand how important a properly working AC system is, especially during these Texas summers. To schedule your annual AC maintenance appointment, contact us or give us a call at (214) 509-6029. We’re always here to answer HVAC questions you might have!