Buying your first home is thrilling. You’re likely trying to keep track of a dozen things or more to ensure you’re making the right choice. We believe that understanding your potential new HVAC system is crucial. The property’s HVAC system represents a significant investment and source of potential long-term costs, illustrating why a detailed inspection should be a top priority for first-time homebuyers.

In the following guide, we’ll share seven tips for learning everything you can about a home’s heating and cooling system. And if you want a more in-depth opinion from the experts, feel free to call Air Service Co.. Our seasoned technicians can share details about your options with industry insights you won’t find elsewhere.

1. What Type of HVAC System Is It?

Start by identifying what type of HVAC system the home has. Furnaces generally last longer than air conditioners, and some of the latest types of HVAC systems like heat pumps boast average life spans that are impressively long. Tracking down the make and specific model gives you a much better sense of how much it might cost in upkeep over time.

2. How Long Ago Was the System Installed?

It’s just as smart to learn how old the HVAC system is when you’re considering a potential new home. In general, HVAC systems tend to run for about 10-12 years. Knowing when it was installed helps you plan for possible repair needs or when it might eventually stop working. Older systems may be more vulnerable to problems, so planning ahead of time for a replacement unit might be needed faster than expected.

3. Does the System Have a Warranty?

Be sure to check the HVAC system is covered by a warranty. If it is, you’ll appreciate how it can help with maintenance expenses. HVAC warranties typically include parts and labor, but it’s important to note that details will vary. Make sure you go over any terms that seem confusing to make sure you fully understand your coverage and any possible out-of-pocket costs.

4. When Was the Last Time It Received Maintenance?

Don’t forget to check the maintenance history of the HVAC system, if that information is accessible. This kind of information can reveal if the system constantly broke down or how often maintenance is performed. 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 less of an impact on the environment. Try and find the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) ratings for air conditioning as well as the annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) for furnaces. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the cooling over the whole season, while strong AFUE ratings indicate that the fuel is more effectively burned for useable heat.

6. Can You Spot Trouble After Your Own Inspection?

Even if you don’t have the know-how of an HVAC technician, you can still take a moment to examine the HVAC system yourself. Keep an eye out for any concerning items that haven’t been mentioned by the seller. This includes strange noises, unequal airflow and attempts to cover up any visible damage.

7. Have You Asked Your Local HVAC Professional?

If you’re unsure about the condition of the HVAC system, it’s beneficial to get an assessment and recommendation from trained HVAC professionals. They can spot things you might not, like refrigerant leaks, damage to the wiring or inefficient ductwork.

A Chat with Air Service Co. Helps Take the Stress Out of Your Home-Buying Journey

Choosing your first home ought to be exciting, and Air Service Co. wants to ensure yours is too. Get in touch with us at 918-212-8943. 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.