Buying your first home is an exhilarating experience. You’re likely trying to keep track of a dozen things or more about making the right choice. We believe that understanding your future HVAC system is vital. The property’s HVAC system represents a substantial investment and potential source of long-term costs, so being thorough helps all first-time homebuyers.
In this 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, don’t hesitate to contact Air Temperature Control. Our experienced team can weigh in on your options with industry insights that are second to none.
1. What HVAC System Are You Working With?
Start by determining what kind of HVAC system the home has. Furnaces generally last longer compared to air conditioners, and newer types of HVAC systems like heat pumps boast average life spans that are impressively long. Tracking down the make and specific model provides a clear idea of how much it might cost in upkeep over time.
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 new home. In general, HVAC systems last about 10-12 years. Knowing when it was installed helps you plan for possible repair needs or when 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 Active?
Check if the HVAC system is still under warranty. If it is, that’s great news because it can lighten the load for 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 you don’t recognize to make sure you fully understand your coverage and potential out-of-pocket costs.
4. Has the System Ever Been Professionally Serviced or Maintained?
Take a close look at the maintenance history of the HVAC system, if that information is accessible. This kind of information can demonstrate if the repair needs are high or how often a tune-up was scheduled. You should at least try to track down a history of key tasks like filter changes, which means it enjoyed more regularly scheduled tune-ups.
5. What Are the Energy Efficiency Ratings?
Purchasing a home with a heating and cooling system with high energy efficiency means lower utility bills and less of an impact on the environment. Look for the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) ratings for air conditioning as well as the annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) for furnaces. High SEER ratings mean more efficient cooling throughout the season, while higher AFUE ratings indicate that the fuel is efficiently converted into useable heat.
6. Have You Noticed Signs of Problems After Your Own Inspection?
Even without heating and cooling expertise, you should still inspect the HVAC system on your own. Watch closely for potential issues that haven’t been mentioned by the seller. This might consist of odd sounds, stubborn patches of the house that are too hot or cold and attempts to cover up any serious damage.
7. Have You Sought Out Expert Advice?
If you’re unsure about the overall state of the HVAC system, it’s wise to get a professional opinion from trained HVAC professionals. They can spot things you might not, like leaking coolant, wiring issues or damaged ductwork.
A Call with Air Temperature Control Simplifies Your Home-Buying Journey
Selecting your first home ought to be exciting, and Air Temperature Control will do everything possible to ensure that doesn’t change. Get in touch with us at 478-202-3170. We can discuss how our HVAC services help make this process smoother, giving you what you need to dive into home-ownership with confidence.