Purchasing your first home is thrilling. You’re likely juggling a dozen things or more to ensure you’re making the right choice. We believe that understanding your potential new HVAC system is vital. 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 outline seven tips for learning everything you can about a home’s heating and cooling system. And if you want a deeper opinion from the pros, feel free to call 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 identifying what specific HVAC system the home has. Furnaces generally last longer than 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 gives you a clear understanding of how much maintenance it will require.
2. What Is the Current System’s Age?
It’s just as smart to learn how old the HVAC system is when you're looking at a new home. On average, HVAC systems tend to run for about 10-12 years. Knowing when it was installed helps you anticipate future maintenance needs or when it might break down. Older systems are at a higher risk of problems, so planning ahead of time for a replacement unit might be needed faster than expected.
3. Is the Warranty Active?
Be sure to check the HVAC system is still under warranty. If it is, you’ll appreciate how it can help with maintenance expenses. HVAC warranties typically include parts and labor, but specifics will vary. Review any terms you don’t recognize to ensure you understand your coverage and the likelihood of out-of-pocket costs.
4. Does the System Have a Documented Maintenance History?
Next, examine the maintenance history of the HVAC system, if this kind of history is accessible. This service history can reveal 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. Do You Know Its Energy Efficiency Ratings?
Selecting a system with great energy efficiency can lead to lower utility bills and a smaller environmental impact. Check out 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 higher AFUE ratings mean the fuel is efficiently converted into 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 check out the HVAC system on your own. Look for signs of problems that weren’t mentioned by the seller or real estate agent. This might consist of odd sounds, unequal airflow and attempts to hide any serious damage.
7. Have You Sought Out Expert Advice?
If you're still hesitant to make an offer because of the overall state of the HVAC system, it's never a bad idea to get a professional opinion from certified HVAC technicians. They are skilled at identifying things you might miss, like leaking coolant, damage to the wiring or inefficient ductwork.
A Consultation with Point Heating & Cooling Helps Take the Stress Out of Your Home-Buying Journey
Choosing your first home ought to be exciting, and Point Heating & Cooling will do everything possible to ensure yours is too. Reach out 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.