Purchasing your first home is thrilling. You’re likely juggling numerous details to ensure you’re making the right choice. We believe that gaining insight into your future HVAC system is essential. The property’s HVAC system represents a substantial investment and potential source of long-term costs, illustrating why a detailed inspection 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 deeper opinion from the pros, consider calling Comfort Concepts Heating & Air Conditioning. Our seasoned technicians can share details about your options with industry insights you won’t find elsewhere.
1. What HVAC System Are You Working With?
Start by clarifying what kind of HVAC system the home includes. Furnaces tend to last longer compared to air conditioners, and relatively new types of HVAC equipment like heat pumps can offer average life spans longer than ever. Getting the details on the make and specific model ensures you have a much better sense of how much maintenance it will require.
2. How Old Is the Current HVAC System?
Another good idea is to find out how old the HVAC system is when you’re considering a potential new home. On average, HVAC systems should survive for around 10-12 years. Having the knowledge of when it was installed helps you prepare for any needed servicing or when it might break down. Older systems are more prone to problems, so planning ahead of time for a replacement unit might be needed faster than expected.
3. Is the Warranty Active?
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 lower maintenance expenses. HVAC warranties typically include parts and labor, but the details in each policy will vary. Review any terms that aren’t familiar to ensure you understand your coverage and the likelihood of 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 this kind of history is accessible. This service history can demonstrate 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 such as changing the air filter, which can indicate it received regularly scheduled tune-ups.
5. Are You Aware of the System’s Energy Efficiency Ratings?
Selecting a system with great energy efficiency isn’t just smart; it leads to more manageable utility bills and a smaller environmental impact. Try and find 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 strong AFUE ratings illustrate that the fuel is efficiently converted into useable heat.
6. Did You See Any Problems After Completing an Informal Inspection?
Even without heating and cooling expertise, you can still take a moment to examine the HVAC system on your own. Keep an eye out for potential issues that weren’t mentioned by the seller or real estate agent. This might consist of odd sounds, spots with uneven heating or cooling and attempts to hide any visible damage.
7. Have You Sought Out Expert Advice?
If you’re still hesitant to make an offer because of the current state of the HVAC system, it’s wise to get a professional opinion from trained HVAC professionals. They will be much more likely to catch things you might miss, like leaks in the refrigerant, wiring issues or flawed ductwork.
A Call with Comfort Concepts Heating & Air Conditioning Simplifies Your Home-Buying Journey
Selecting your first home ought to be exciting, and Comfort Concepts Heating & Air Conditioning wants to ensure yours is too. Connect with us at 405-494-7444. We can discuss how our HVAC services ease your mind, giving you what you need to make an offer with confidence.
