Buying your first home is thrilling. You’re probably juggling numerous details about making the right choice. We believe that gaining insight into your potential new HVAC system is essential. The property’s HVAC system represents a significant investment and source of potential long-term costs, so being thorough should be a top priority for first-time homebuyers.
In the following guide, we’ll outline seven tips for discovering all there is to know about a home’s heating and cooling system. And if you want a more in-depth opinion from the pros, feel free to call Air Service Co.. Our experienced team can help you compare your options with industry insights that are second to none.
1. Which Kind of HVAC System Does the Home Use?
Start by determining what type of HVAC system the home has. Furnaces tend to last longer than air conditioners, and relatively new types of HVAC systems like heat pumps boast average life spans that are impressively long. Getting the details on the make and specific model gives you a clear understanding of how much it might cost in upkeep over time.
2. What Is the Current System’s Age?
It also helps to learn how old the HVAC system is when you’re looking at a new home. In general, HVAC systems should survive for around 10-12 years. Knowing when it was installed helps you anticipate future maintenance needs or considerations if 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. Is the Warranty Active?
Check if the HVAC system is covered by a warranty. If it is, this can help with 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 any possible out-of-pocket costs.
4. Does the System Have a Documented Maintenance History?
Take a close look at the maintenance history of the HVAC system, if such information is accessible. This service history 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?
Purchasing a home with a heating and cooling system with strong energy efficiency can lead to smaller utility bills and less of an impact on the environment. Look for the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) ratings for air conditioning and the annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) for furnaces. High SEER ratings mean more efficient cooling throughout the season, while high AFUE ratings indicate that the fuel is more effectively burned for useable heat.
6. Can You Spot Trouble During Your Inspection?
Even if you don’t have heating and cooling expertise, you should still inspect the HVAC system yourself. Keep an eye out for potential issues that haven’t been mentioned by the seller. This includes strange noises, spots with uneven heating or cooling and attempts at concealing 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 never a bad idea to get an assessment and recommendation from trained HVAC technicians. They are skilled at identifying things you might not, such as refrigerant leaks, damage to the wiring or flawed ductwork.
A Chat with Air Service Co. Simplifies Your Home-Buying Journey
Finding your first home ought to be exciting, and Air Service Co. wants to ensure it stays that way. 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.
