Moving Into A New Home? Watch Out For These HVAC Problems

If you are moving into a home that you recently purchased, do not assume that everything is good with your home's HVAC system. It is possible that the previous owners made some modifications that need to be addressed so that you have a properly working HVAC system.

Improper Additions

Did the previous owner install an addition onto the home in the past? It is worth looking into how they managed the ductwork to get hot and cold air to that new space. What you want to look for is new ductwork that has natural curves that redirect the air to the room. In addition, you will want to look for a new air conditioner that was installed after the addition was made so that it can accommodate the additional square footage. 

Beware of issues where holes were made in the side of air vents with flexible tubing going to the new space. This will cause airflow to be limited since it won't be very forceful as it flows through the tubes. 

Oversized Appliances

The previous owners may not have known what they were doing when they purchased their HVAC system, which could have led to it being oversized for the square footage of the home. During the winter, the furnace will blast too much hot air into your home and make it not feel comfortable. This can cause short cycling, where the thermostat thinks that the room reaches the right temperature earlier than it actually does and turns off prematurely. 

In the summer, an air conditioner that is too powerful will result in condensation in the ductwork, which can lead to mold growth as that water collects. You'll also deal with short cycling for similar reasons, since the rooms won't gradually reach the proper temperature. The air conditioner will also be unable to remove humidity from the air since it is not running for the proper amount of time. 

Lack of Maintenance

It's possible that the previous owners completely ignored their HVAC system when it comes to maintenance. Perhaps filters were not changed, weeds were not removed from around the condenser, and ductwork remained uncleaned. It will be worth hiring an HVAC company to come and service your heating and cooling equipment to make sure it is in good condition. Parts can be swapped out if they are close to breaking to ensure continuous operation of your air conditioner and furnace for the future. You'll also learn what maintenance you should be doing with the HVAC system in your home now that you have moved in.

Contact a heating repair service near you today to learn more about how to care for your HVAC system.


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