As you settle into your new home in Murfreesboro, TN, you will face a learning curve regarding your property’s various systems. Chief among these is the home’s HVAC system. This unit regulates your indoor climate, and it accounts for a significant portion of your monthly energy bill. Understanding how your equipment works and how to maintain it will save you substantial money and stress in the future.
We want to help you establish excellent habits from day one. You will protect your investment and ensure maximum comfort by taking these proactive steps. Our team at A/C Plus Heating & Cooling provides expert support throughout our service area. You can rely on us for everything from new installations to routine maintenance to emergency care.
Essential First Steps for Your System
Unless you built your house, you inherit the previous owner’s maintenance habits. Sometimes those habits are excellent. Other times, they are nonexistent. This uncertainty makes a thorough system evaluation crucial. The HVAC might be in great condition, or it might be on its last legs. You must gather all available information before the next heating or cooling season begins. Taking these steps will set the foundation for reliable home comfort.
Find and Verify Your System’s History
You must locate all documentation related to your heating and cooling equipment. Find the age of the furnace and the air conditioner and, if possible, the air ducts. You will also want to know the date of the last major service. If you find the system is over ten years old, you should start thinking about replacement options. Reviewing this information helps you make better financial plans. If you are uncertain about the replacement you need, read our guide on choosing the right system to learn more.
Locate and Change Your Filter
The air filter is the easiest but also most frequently forgotten maintenance item. You must find the filter slot on your HVAC unit. Next, confirm the correct filter size. We recommend buying several filters in bulk. This ensures you always have a replacement available. Change the filter every one to three months to prevent airflow restrictions and reduce dust. If you have pets or the area is experiencing wildfire smoke, change the filter more often.
Understand Your Thermostat Settings
Your thermostat is the brain of your HVAC system. New homes often feature programmable or smart thermostats. You need to learn how to set energy-saving schedules. This involves adjusting temperatures when you are away or asleep. You will maximize system efficiency by using these settings.
Clear the Space Around the Outdoor Unit
If you have an air conditioner or heat pump, the condenser unit outside your home needs proper clearance to function correctly. When you take possession, the landscaping may be overgrown. You must immediately remove any shrubs, weeds, or debris growing within two feet of the unit. This will prevent the unit from overheating and increase its efficiency. This simple task is critical. It ensures the unit can shed heat effectively throughout the summer or, for heat pumps, gather heat in winter.
Plan for a Professional Maintenance
The most important step for any new homeowner is scheduling regular maintenance. If it’s spring or summer when you move in, opt for a cooling system tune-up. Our AC maintenance guide covers how and why to get this critical service. If you’re moving in in the fall or winter, it’s time for an annual heating maintenance appointment. Our heater tune-up checklist outlines some of the tasks we perform during this visit and why.
During either maintenance appointment, our technicians will evaluate the condition of your whole unit. For an AC tune-up, we check refrigerant levels, electrical connections, and safety controls. This first inspection establishes a baseline for your system’s performance. It also reveals hidden issues the seller did not disclose. If the inspection reveals significant wear, we provide various reliable AC repair options and other HVAC services. For heating maintenance, we check safety controls and heating elements or components involved in the combustion process.
A Homeowner’s Next Steps for Home Comfort
Taking control of your HVAC system right after moving in gives you command over your home’s comfort and operating costs. Establishing these essential maintenance habits will ensure the equipment operates safely and efficiently. We make ongoing care simple and affordable for new homeowners.
If you need professional help, we provide full-service heating and cooling solutions. These services include diagnostics, preventive maintenance, and new system installations. We also offer indoor air quality assessments. For maximum convenience and protection, review our maintenance plan details. This plan provides regular tune-ups to ensure your system stays in peak condition.
Contact A/C Plus Heating & Cooling in Murfreesboro, TN today to schedule your HVAC service or learn more about your new system.