The Essential New Home HVAC Checklist

Congratulations! You just bought a house. It’s picture-perfect for you and your family, and moving day is set.The last piece to ensure a comfortable transition is making sure your new home’s HVAC is performing at its best.

The good news is, you don’t have to be a heating and cooling expert to get your new home’s HVAC system up and running. Use this new home HVAC checklist to keep your home at peak comfort year-round.

1. Inspect the system.

It might seem obvious, but taking a good look at your heating and cooling equipment can help identify any leaks or damage from the outside in.

Check out the nameplate on each unit, too. The nameplate holds all of the basic data about your system and will help you understand the equipment installed in your home.  

2. Determine the age of your units.

Replacing your HVAC system can be an investment. Knowing the age of the units in your new home can help you gauge their current health and status, as well determine when they will need be replaced, giving you time to prepare.

Keep in mind that older equipment is typically less efficient. Installing newer, efficient models can qualify you for tax rebates and credits. 

3. Understand the warranty.

Another important detail is understanding the warranty behind your new home’s HVAC system. This can help you determine what is covered if you run into an issue after move-in.

Rheem allows you to look up and verify your system’s warranty. Be sure to have any product or installation information handy, such as the unit’s serial number, to help locate your system’s warranty.

4. Find out what refrigerant the system uses.

On the unit’s nameplate, check to see what kind of refrigerant your equipment uses. Some refrigerants have been phased out or are in the process of being phased down. A system with one of these refrigerants may cost more to service in the future if a repair is needed.

5. Test all carbon monoxide detectors.

To maintain a safe and healthy air quality in your home, make sure your carbon monoxide detectors are working properly to alert you of any issues.

6. Make sure all air vents are open.

Check your home’s vents and ductwork to ensure there are no blockages. This ensures that air can circulate and flow throughout your home easily. Similarly, this is also a good time to check and replace your system’s air filters.

7. Test the thermostat.

If there is a problem with your home’s thermostat, you’ll be able to feel it. A smart thermostat like the EcoNet® Smart Monitoring System controls all aspects of your home comfort, as well as energy usage.

“The thermostat is the brain of your HVAC system,” says Jose De La Portilla, Senior Manager of Education and Training at Rheem. “Like the human body, you want a brain that can talk to your entire body. EcoNet talks to the entire HVAC system, so it knows what it is doing at all times, unlike a standard thermostat that can only tell it to turn on or off.”

Make sure your thermostat and HVAC equipment are working seamlessly together to maintain home comfort.

8. Pay attention to how your home feels.

Once you get settled, do you notice any hot or cold spots around the house? Is a unit blowing hot air when it should be cold, or vice versa? These are signs to schedule a maintenance appointment with a HVAC contractor.

9. Listen.  

Depending on its age, when your heating and cooling equipment is working at its best, you should be able to feel the difference, not hear it. If you hear any weird noises coming from your system, or if it’s loud while running, these can indicate a larger problem. Contact your HVAC contractor to investigate.

10. Find a contractor in your area.  

Regular maintenance will help keep your HVAC system running at peak performance and delivering comfort and efficiency all year long. Once the moving boxes are put away, find a Rheem Pro Partner® in your local area and make an appointment to kick off regular heating and cooling maintenance so your new home is ready for any season or temperature.   

Find a Rheem Pro Partner in your area today.