Are you thinking about purchasing a new home, or have you just taken the first plunge into homeownership? At MTB Mechanical, we know you have a lot on your plate during this exciting yet often stressful time. With a new home comes many new responsibilities, including your HVAC system. But don’t worry, MTB has been around for 45 years now, and we’re here to help.
We’ve put together a quick checklist of things to know — or find out — right out of the gate, no matter how new or old your home may be. This will help you understand where your home is in the HVAC life cycle and prepare you for getting the most out of your system.
Find out the age of your HVAC system.
If you’re in the process of buying your home, find out this information now! On average, the lifespan of a furnace and compressor is between 12 and 18 years. So if yours is past the 10-year mark, you should consider the potential repairs and cost of replacement in the coming years.
What type of unit is it?
Furnaces
Gas furnaces are reliable, lasting up to 25 years in some cases. So if you’re planning to stay in that home for an extended period, this could be a good option. Remember that gas furnaces operate on both gas and electricity, so consider the seasonal costs of utilities.
Heat Pumps
Heat pumps work by using heat transfer, but unlike some other HVAC systems, they don’t burn natural gas. Heat pumps operate solely on electricity, so your energy provider — or previous homeowner — should be able to give you an idea about how much is spent at that particular home in the coldest and hottest months.
Mini-Split Systems
Mini-split systems include both indoor and outdoor units working together. They transfer heat and cold air via a conductor and can be extremely convenient, sometimes operated with a wireless remote. Mini-split systems also don’t require ducts, which can be a major plus, especially for maintenance.
Know the ratings of your heating and cooling units.
Manufacturing technology constantly improves, and newer, more efficient models are developed much more frequently than in the past. This is good for all of us in the long run because newer equipment can be more energy-efficient with each generation. Remember, the higher the energy efficiency rating, the better. This can save you on your utility bills. For your air conditioner, find out its SEER rating (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio). For your furnace, find out its AFUE rating (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency).
Determine when the unit was last inspected.
If possible, obtain your home’s HVAC system’s repair and maintenance reports. HVAC systems that receive regular preventative maintenance are 80 percent less likely to break down and can operate up to 30 percent more efficiently.
Set up a preventative maintenance plan.
Whether yours is a new system or one that’s been in the home for a while, MTB offers our Priority Comfort Agreement, a preventative maintenance program that can help you avoid breakdowns, reduce your energy bills, extend the life of your system, and protect your HVAC system’s warranty.
Again, congratulations on your next move! With a little bit of knowledge and planning, your heating and cooling system will work to keep you and your family comfortable for many years. If you have additional questions, give us a call at (704) 459-4066 or schedule an appointment with one of MTB’s experts today.
