Purchasing your first home is an exhilarating experience. You’re likely juggling a dozen things or more about making the right choice. We believe that gaining insight into your future HVAC system is crucial. The property’s HVAC system represents a substantial investment and potential source of long-term costs, which is why due diligence helps all first-time homebuyers.

In this guide, we’ll share seven tips for learning everything you can about a home’s heating and cooling setup. And if you want a deeper opinion from the pros, feel free to call GLR Mechanical. Our staff can help you compare your options with industry insights that are second to none.

1. What HVAC System Are You Working With?

Start by clarifying what type of HVAC system the home features. Furnaces tend to last longer than air conditioners, and newer types of HVAC products like heat pumps feature average life spans that are impressively long. Tracking down the make and specific model ensures you have a clear understanding of how much maintenance it will require.

2. What Is the Current System’s Age?

Another good idea is to find out how old the HVAC system is when you're looking at a new home. For the most part, HVAC systems last about 10-12 years. Knowing when it was installed helps you anticipate future maintenance needs or considerations if it might shut down for good. Older systems may be more vulnerable to problems, so planning ahead of time for a replacement unit could be necessary sooner than you thought.

3. Is the Warranty Still in Effect?

Check if the HVAC system is still under warranty. If it is, you’ll appreciate how it can lower maintenance expenses. HVAC warranties often cover parts and labor, but the details in each policy will vary. Don’t forget to look into any terms that aren’t familiar to ensure you understand your coverage and the likelihood of out-of-pocket costs.

4. When Was the Last Time It Received Maintenance?

Take a close look at the maintenance history of the HVAC system, if that information is available. This service history can demonstrate if the repair needs are high or how much upkeep was provided. You should at least try to track down a history of key tasks like filter changes, which can indicate it received regularly scheduled tune-ups.

5. What Are the Energy Efficiency Ratings?

Selecting a system with strong energy efficiency can lead to smaller utility bills and a smaller environmental impact. Look for the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) ratings for air conditioning along with the annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) for furnaces. Higher SEER ratings mean better cooling across the entire season, while strong AFUE ratings mean the fuel is efficiently converted into useable heat.

6. Did You See Any Problems During Your Inspection?

Even if you don’t have the know-how of an HVAC technician, you should still inspect the HVAC system on your own. Keep an eye out for potential issues that haven't been mentioned by the seller. This can mean bizarre noises, stubborn patches of the house that are too hot or cold and attempts to cover up any serious damage.

7. Is an Experienced HVAC Technician Available to Help?

If you're unsure about the current state of the HVAC system, it's beneficial to get a professional opinion from trained HVAC professionals. They will be much more likely to catch things you may not know about, such as leaking coolant, bad electrical connections or flawed ductwork.

A Chat with GLR Mechanical Helps Take the Stress Out of Your Home-Buying Journey

Choosing your first home is meant to be a joyful event, and GLR Mechanical can ensure it stays that way. Reach out with us at 570-309-0403. We can go over the details about how our HVAC services help make this process smoother, giving you what you need to make an offer with confidence.