Purchasing 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 crucial. The property’s HVAC system represents a substantial investment and potential source of long-term costs, illustrating why a detailed inspection is important for first-time homebuyers.

In the following guide, we’ll outline seven tips for discovering all there is to know 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 experienced team can share details about your options with industry insights you won’t find elsewhere.

1. What HVAC System Are You Working With?

Start by identifying what specific HVAC system the home has. Furnaces tend to last longer compared to air conditioners, and newer types of HVAC systems like heat pumps can offer average life spans longer than ever. Tracking down the make and specific model ensures you have a much better sense of how much routine maintenance it might need.

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 tend to run for about 10-12 years. Learning its approximate installation date helps you plan for possible repair needs or considerations if it might eventually stop working. Older systems are more prone to problems, so planning ahead of time for a replacement unit could be necessary sooner than you thought.

3. Is the Warranty Still in Effect?

Be sure to check the HVAC system is covered by a warranty. If it is, this can help with maintenance expenses. HVAC warranties often cover parts and labor, but the details in each policy will vary. Make sure you go over any terms you don’t recognize to make sure you fully 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 such information is available. This kind of information can demonstrate if there have been regular problems or how often maintenance is performed. Inquire about key tasks such as changing the air filter, which means it enjoyed more regularly scheduled tune-ups.

5. Do You Know Its Energy Efficiency Ratings?

Finding a home that features an HVAC system with great energy efficiency can lead to more manageable utility bills and a smaller environmental impact. Check out 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 mean the fuel is efficiently converted into useable heat.

6. Did You See Any Problems During Your Inspection?

Even without the know-how of an HVAC technician, it’s still a good idea to inspect the HVAC system yourself. Keep an eye out for signs of problems that might have been overlooked. This can mean bizarre noises, unequal airflow and attempts to cover up any visible damage.

7. Have You Asked Your Local HVAC Professional?

If you’re not quite sure about the condition of the HVAC system, it’s wise to get an assessment and recommendation from trained HVAC professionals. They are skilled at identifying things you might not, such as leaking coolant, damage to the wiring or damaged ductwork.

A Consultation with Comfort Concepts Heating & Air Conditioning Helps Take the Stress Out of Your Home-Buying Journey

Finding your first home is meant to be a joyful event, and Comfort Concepts Heating & Air Conditioning will do everything possible to ensure yours is too. Connect with us at 405-494-7444. We can discuss how our HVAC services help make this process smoother, giving you what you need to step into your new home with confidence.