Keep Your New Home Running Smoothly
Buying a home is exciting, especially if it is your first home. However, if you're coming from renting and you could always call a landlord to take care of issues, you may be worried about how to handle problems when they pop up. For example, what will you do if your AC stops working? While it may feel overwhelming to suddenly be responsible for everything, you needn't worry!
The best thing you can do for your HVAC system is have a reputable, reliable HVAC specialist. Valley Heating, Cooling, Electrical and Solar is a reputable, reliable family-owned HVAC company that knows systems inside and out. In addition to being a quick phone call away if trouble strikes, we also are committed to giving our customers the information they need to feel empowered when taking care of their heating and cooling systems.
Below, we review our top three tips for preventing repair issues and keeping your HVAC system running smoothly.
Schedule an Inspection
While your HVAC system was likely inspected during the period of escrow, it probably wasn't reviewed by an HVAC specialist. So, while home inspectors do a good job identifying basic problems and confirming that systems are operating, they are not there to help you ensure that your heating and cooling system is running as efficiently as possible.
In general, HVAC systems should be inspected at least once a year, if not seasonally (many homeowners schedule heating inspections in the fall and cooling inspections in the spring). Our HVAC specialist will go through your entire system during the inspection, noting any problems and signs of wear. We will then provide you with a full report, help you plan for any repairs and go over all the ways you can keep your HVAC system in good condition.
We can also help you get familiar with your new system during this inspection visit. We will cover all aspects of operation, show you how to change your air filters and help you understand how your thermostat works. We can also provide you with the information you need to spot repair problems in the future.
Make Energy Efficiency a Priority
If you want to get the most out of your current HVAC system, you need to prioritize energy efficiency. The more efficient your system, the more effective it will be to heat and cool your home, use less energy and save more money on utility, repair and replacement costs. Energy efficiency is especially important here in California, where temperatures spike in the summer and where we often have to deal with rolling blackouts.
Easy ways to improve the energy efficiency of your HVAC system include:
- Make sure your air filters are changed regularly
- Make sure that all intake vents and registers are open and not blocked by furniture
- Use a programmable or smart thermostat
- Use fans to improve airflow throughout your home
Want more info on how to make your HVAC system more eco-friendly? Read our blog!
Establish a Maintenance Routine
So, you've scheduled an inspection and you've set reminders to change your air filters every three months. The next thing you should do is set a reminder for your annual (or seasonal) HVAC maintenance. Your initial inspection and DIY maintenance will go a long way in keeping your heating and cooling systems in good shape. However, without regular check-ups from our professional HVAC experts, you leave your system vulnerable to wear and tear.
And just like the initial inspection you scheduled when you moved in, we will go through all aspects of your HVAC system at your routine maintenance visit and provide you with a full report.
Most systems require maintenance annually. But in some cases, it is best to schedule seasonal maintenance. For example, if you have allergies and are concerned about your indoor air quality, you may benefit from scheduling professional maintenance twice a year.
Call the experts at Valley to discuss your HVAC maintenance options. We always give our honest advice and will help you establish the maintenance routine that is best for you and your budget.
What's Happening at Valley This May
Are you still thinking about installing a solar energy system but aren't sure if this is the year it happens? One thing that might help you make this decision is that 2022 is the last year in which you can claim 26% of your PV system installation costs on your federal taxes. In 2023, the percentage you can claim drops to 22%, and as of now, there will be no federal solar tax credit available for systems installed after 2023. We look at how the tax credit works and how you can take advantage of it on the blog.
This month, Valley also focuses on helping homeowners take care of their home's systems. In addition to providing our top three HVAC tips, we also cover how to troubleshoot some of the most common electrical problems. Electrical systems are incredibly complicated and most electrical issues should be handled by our professional, licensed electrician. However, there are things you can do before calling an electrician. Read our blog to learn more.