Buying your first home is an exhilarating experience. You’re probably trying to keep track of numerous details to ensure you’re making the right choice. We believe that understanding your future HVAC system is vital. The property’s HVAC system represents a substantial investment and potential source of long-term costs, illustrating why a detailed inspection helps all first-time homebuyers.
In this guide, we’ll share seven tips for learning everything you can about a home’s heating and cooling system. And if you want a deeper opinion from the experts, consider calling Pepper AC & Heat. Our seasoned technicians can weigh in on your options with industry insights you won’t find elsewhere.
1. What HVAC System Are You Working With?
Start by determining what type of HVAC system the home has. Furnaces tend to last longer compared to air conditioners, and some of the latest types of HVAC products like heat pumps can offer average life spans that are even longer. Getting the details on the make and specific model ensures you have a much better sense of how much it might cost in upkeep over time.
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 potential new home. In general, HVAC systems should survive for around 10-12 years. Learning its approximate installation date helps you prepare for any needed servicing or considerations if it might eventually stop working. Older systems may be more vulnerable to problems, so fiscal planning for a replacement unit could be necessary sooner than you thought.
3. Is the Warranty Active?
Check if the HVAC system is covered by a warranty. If it is, that’s great news because it can lighten the load for maintenance expenses. HVAC warranties often cover parts and labor, but specifics will vary. Review any terms that seem confusing to make sure you fully understand your coverage and the likelihood of out-of-pocket costs.
4. Has the System Ever Been Professionally Serviced or Maintained?
Don’t forget to check the maintenance history of the HVAC system, if the records are available. This kind of information can demonstrate if there have been regular problems or how much upkeep was provided. Inquire about key tasks such as changing the air filter, which is a positive sign indicating regularly scheduled tune-ups.
5. What Are the Energy Efficiency Ratings?
Purchasing a home with a heating and cooling system with high energy efficiency means more manageable utility bills and less of an impact on the environment. Locate 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 strong AFUE ratings mean the fuel is efficiently converted into useable heat.
6. Did You See Any Problems During Your Inspection?
Even without heating and cooling expertise, you should still examine the HVAC system on your own. Keep an eye out for signs of problems that haven’t been mentioned by the seller. This might consist of odd sounds, 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 overall state of the HVAC system, it’s beneficial to get a professional opinion from certified HVAC technicians. They are skilled at identifying things you might miss, such as leaks in the refrigerant, wiring issues or inefficient ductwork.
A Chat with Pepper AC & Heat Helps Take the Stress Out of Your Home-Buying Journey
Finding your first home is meant to be a joyful event, and Pepper AC & Heat will do everything possible to ensure yours is too. Get in touch with us at 940-202-1184. 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.
