Purchasing your first home is exciting. You’re probably juggling a dozen things or more about making the right choice. We believe that understanding your potential new 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 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 setup. And if you want a more in-depth opinion from the pros, consider calling Point Heating & Cooling. Our seasoned technicians can help you compare your options with industry insights that are second to none.
1. What Type of HVAC System Is It?
Start by determining what specific HVAC system the home includes. Furnaces generally last longer than air conditioners, and newer types of HVAC products like heat pumps can offer average life spans that are impressively long. Getting the details on 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 considering a potential new home. In general, HVAC systems tend to run for about 10-12 years. Learning its approximate installation date helps you plan for possible repair needs or when it might break down. Older systems may be more vulnerable to problems, so budgeting for a replacement unit might be needed faster than expected.
3. What Does the Warranty Cover?
Don’t forget to look into whether the HVAC system is covered by a warranty. If it is, that’s great news because it can assist with maintenance costs. HVAC warranties should take care of parts and labor, but the details in each policy will vary. Review any terms you don’t recognize to ensure you understand your coverage and potential out-of-pocket costs.
4. When Was the Last Time It Received Maintenance?
Next, examine the maintenance history of the HVAC system, if the records are available. This service history can demonstrate if there have been regular problems or how often maintenance is performed. You should at least try to track down a history of key tasks like filter changes, which is a positive sign indicating regularly scheduled tune-ups.
5. Are You Aware of the System’s Energy Efficiency Ratings?
Finding a home that features an HVAC system with strong energy efficiency isn’t just smart; it leads to smaller utility bills and less of an impact on the environment. Check out 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 mean the fuel is more effectively burned for useable heat.
6. Have You Noticed Signs of Problems After Your Own Inspection?
Even without the know-how of an HVAC technician, you can still take a moment to inspect the HVAC system yourself. Watch closely for potential issues that might have been overlooked. This might consist of odd sounds, unequal airflow and attempts at concealing any serious damage.
7. Is an Experienced HVAC Technician Available to Help?
If you’re unsure about the overall state of the HVAC system, it’s wise to get an assessment and recommendation from trained HVAC professionals. They are skilled at identifying things you may not know about, such as refrigerant leaks, bad electrical connections or inefficient ductwork.
A Call with Point Heating & Cooling Helps Take the Stress Out of Your Home-Buying Journey
Selecting your first home ought to be exciting, and Point Heating & Cooling will do everything possible to ensure yours is too. Connect with us at 715-504-0533. We can talk about how our HVAC services help make this process smoother, giving you what you need to dive into home-ownership with confidence.