HVAC Tips for New Homeowners

When you move into a new home, its HVAC system isn’t always the first thing you think about. But it plays a major role in your home’s comfort and efficiency. Whether you’re settling in during your first summer or preparing for your first cold snap, a few smart habits now can help you avoid costly surprises later. At A/C Plus Heating & Cooling in Murfreesboro, TN, we help new homeowners build good heating and cooling habits from day one.

Get to Know Your Thermostat

When you move in, you are probably focused on where to put the furniture or if you want to upgrade the paint on the walls. But at some point, you’ll walk past the thermostat and wonder what all those settings do. If your home came with a programmable thermostat, you might be sitting on savings without knowing it. A quick read of the manual or a look online can show you how to set schedules that match your lifestyle.

If you work regular hours, you can set the temperature to a more economical setting while you’re away and return to a comfortable temperature just before you walk through the door. If your system is paired with a smart thermostat, you may be able to control it from your phone or use voice commands. Learning how to manage temperature on your terms gives you better control of both comfort and energy costs.

Learn Where Your Filters Go and When to Change Them

One of the first things to do after moving in is to locate your air filters. Some systems have one return vent with a large filter. Others have smaller ones in different rooms. It depends on your setup, and it’s not always obvious unless you’ve taken a look. Once you’ve found them, check their size and write it down somewhere easy to find. You’ll need that when you buy replacements. When filters clog, airflow decreases, strain increases, and dust accumulates in areas you’d rather it didn’t.

A clogged filter can cause your system to run longer to perform the same job, which adds to your energy bills. Some homes require a new filter every month, while others need a new one every three months. It depends on factors like if you have pets and how often you run your system. Many homeowners check their filters once a month to ensure they know when it is time for a fresh one.

Keep an Eye on Return and Supply Vents

As you settle in and arrange your space, you might not think twice about placing a sofa in front of a vent or covering it with a bookshelf. Vents require space to deliver cooled or heated air, and returns need room to pull air back in. Block those, and the airflow slows. You might notice one room stays too hot while another feels fine. Your system may also need to run longer than necessary when airflow is blocked.

Heating and cooling issues are often caused by blocked or dirty vents. Every month, take a quick look. Make sure vents stay clear and open; they need about two feet of clearance for proper airflow. You can also use dish soap and a soft cloth to clean dust from the grates.

Understand How Insulation Helps with Temperature Control

Your HVAC system works hard to keep your home comfortable, but it has to work even harder if your insulation isn’t doing its part. Poor attic insulation or leaky windows can cause cool air to escape in summer and heat to disappear in winter. That loss forces your system to cycle more often, which leads to higher energy bills and added wear on components.

If you notice uneven temperatures, chilly corners, or rooms that never feel quite right, your home may be under-insulated. Adding weather stripping, sealing windows, or improving attic insulation can make a big difference. You don’t have to tackle everything at once. Every small improvement helps your system run more efficiently.

Check the Outdoor Unit and Keep it Clean

If your HVAC system has an outdoor unit, take a moment to locate it and get familiar with how it looks when it’s clean and unobstructed. This helps you spot potential issues early. Outdoor units need open space around them to release heat and keep the compressor from overheating. When leaves, mulch, or vines crowd the area or grass clippings stick to the fins, airflow drops. These obstructions can make the system work harder than it should.

To keep things running smoothly, clear away debris and give the unit a gentle rinse with a garden hose. If you notice bent fins or unusual noises, it’s a good idea to schedule a professional checkup.

Get Familiar with Your System’s Sounds and Smells

All HVAC systems make some noise, but yours shouldn’t rattle, screech, or pop frequently. The same goes for smells. A slight dusty odor when you turn on the heat for the first time each season is normal, but musty smells, burning odors, or sharp chemical scents shouldn’t linger.

As a new homeowner, take time to get familiar with how your system sounds and smells when it’s working properly. If you notice anything new or unusual after it’s been running for a while, don’t ignore it. Strange sounds or odors can be early signs of electrical problems, debris buildup, or refrigerant leaks.

Don’t Forget the Condensate Drain Line

Your air conditioner doesn’t just cool your home. It pulls moisture from the air and sends that water through a drain line. If that line clogs, it can back up and cause water damage near your unit. Some systems shut off automatically when this happens. Others keep running and leave a soggy mess behind.

Take a minute to find it and look at where it drains. If it runs to the outside, make sure the outlet stays clear. If it connects to a nearby drain, check that it’s flowing and not pooling. You don’t need to clean it yourself, but paying attention means you will know when it is time to call a professional.

Start a Routine Early

The longer you live in your home, the easier it is to push HVAC care to the bottom of your to-do list. Filters changes get skipped, vents stay blocked, and the system runs without much thought until a problem arises.

Building a simple routine early makes it easier later. Add reminders to your calendar to check filters. Write down the size and MERV rating you use. Walk the house once a month to check each return and supply vent. You will also have to schedule annual maintenance in the spring and fall to keep your system in good shape. These small steps don’t take long, but they can save you from an emergency breakdown and keep heating and cooling costs under control.

Contact Your Local HVAC Professionals

At A/C Plus Heating & Cooling, we have been serving the residents of Murfreesboro, TN and the surrounding areas since 1997. We maintain and repair heating and cooling systems. We also offer thermostat upgrades and can work with you to improve air quality or theHVAC in your new home. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced technicians.