Purchasing your first home is an exhilarating experience. 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 substantial investment and source of potential long-term costs, so being thorough helps all first-time homebuyers.
In the following guide, we’ll share seven tips for discovering all there is to know about a home’s heating and cooling setup. And if you want a more in-depth opinion from the pros, consider calling Total Assurance AC & Heating. Our experienced team can help you compare your options with industry insights you won’t find elsewhere.
1. What Type of HVAC System Is It?
Start by determining what type of HVAC system the home features. Furnaces tend to last longer compared to air conditioners, and some of the latest types of HVAC products like heat pumps feature average life spans that are even longer. Getting the details on the make and specific model provides a clear idea of how much routine maintenance it might need.
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. In general, HVAC systems tend to run for about 10-12 years. Learning its approximate installation date helps you prepare for any needed servicing or considerations if 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. What Does the Warranty Cover?
Check if the HVAC system is covered by a warranty. If it is, that’s great news because it can assist with maintenance costs. HVAC warranties typically include parts and labor, but it’s important to note that details will vary. Don’t forget to look into any terms that aren’t familiar to ensure you 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 such information is accessible. This service history can demonstrate if the system constantly broke down or how often a tune-up was scheduled. Ask about records for key tasks such as changing the air filter, 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 isn’t just smart; it leads to more manageable utility bills and less of an impact on the environment. Look for the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) ratings for air conditioning along with the annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) for furnaces. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the cooling over the whole season, while higher AFUE ratings illustrate that the fuel is more effectively burned for useable heat.
6. Can You Spot Trouble After Completing an Informal Inspection?
Even without the know-how of an HVAC technician, you should still inspect the HVAC system on your own. Look for any concerning items that might have been overlooked. This can mean bizarre noises, stubborn patches of the house that are too hot or cold and attempts to hide any visible damage.
7. Is an Experienced HVAC Technician Available to Help?
If you’re unsure about the condition of the HVAC system, it’s wise to get an assessment and recommendation from trained HVAC technicians. They can spot things you may not know about, including leaks in the refrigerant, damage to the wiring or inefficient ductwork.
A Chat with Total Assurance AC & Heating Simplifies Your Home-Buying Journey
Finding your first home should be thrilling, and Total Assurance AC & Heating will do everything possible to ensure yours is too. Connect with us at 361-217-7080. We can talk about how our HVAC services give you peace of mind, giving you what you need to dive into home-ownership with confidence.
