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 essential. The property’s HVAC system represents a significant investment and source of potential long-term costs, so being thorough is important 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 Age Heating & Cooling. Our seasoned technicians can weigh in on your options with industry insights that are second to none.
1. Which Kind of HVAC System Does the Home Use?
Start by identifying what kind of HVAC system the home has. Furnaces tend to 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. Getting the details on the make and specific model ensures you have a clear idea of how much it might cost in upkeep over time.
2. How Old Is the Current HVAC System?
It’s just as smart to learn how old the HVAC system is when you’re looking at a potential new home. On average, 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 shut down for good. Older systems may be more vulnerable to problems, so fiscal planning for a replacement unit could be necessary sooner than you thought.
3. Does the System Have a Warranty?
Be sure to check the HVAC system is covered by a warranty. If it is, this can lower maintenance costs. HVAC warranties often cover parts and labor, but specifics will vary. Don’t forget to look into any terms that aren’t familiar to ensure you understand your coverage and the likelihood of out-of-pocket costs.
4. When Was the Last Time It Received Maintenance?
Take a close look at the maintenance history of the HVAC system, if that information is available. This kind of information can demonstrate if there have been regular problems or how much upkeep was provided. 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 great energy efficiency means more manageable utility bills and a smaller environmental impact. Look for the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) ratings for air conditioning along with the annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) for furnaces. High SEER ratings mean more efficient cooling throughout the season, while higher AFUE ratings mean the fuel is efficiently converted into useable heat.
6. Did You See Any Problems During Your Inspection?
Even if you don’t have heating and cooling expertise, it’s still a good idea to check out the HVAC system on your own. Keep an eye out for signs of problems that weren’t mentioned by the seller or real estate agent. This can mean bizarre noises, spots with uneven heating or cooling and attempts to cover up any serious damage.
7. Is an Experienced HVAC Technician Available to Help?
If you’re still hesitant to make an offer because of the condition of the HVAC system, it’s wise to get a professional opinion from certified HVAC professionals. They will be much more likely to catch things you might miss, such as leaking coolant, wiring issues or damaged ductwork.
A Chat with Age Heating & Cooling Simplifies Your Home-Buying Journey
Selecting your first home should be thrilling, and Age Heating & Cooling wants to ensure it stays that way. Get in touch with us at 208-603-2210. We can discuss how our HVAC services help make this process smoother, giving you what you need to dive into home-ownership with confidence.
