Purchasing your first home is thrilling. You’re likely juggling a dozen things or more 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 significant investment and source of potential long-term costs, illustrating why a detailed inspection helps all first-time homebuyers.
In the following 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 Air-Right Energy Design. Our seasoned technicians can help you compare your options with industry insights that are second to none.
1. What Type of HVAC System Is It?
Start by identifying 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. Tracking down the make and specific model gives you a clear idea of how much maintenance it will require.
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 should survive for around 10-12 years. Having the knowledge of when it was installed helps you plan for possible repair needs or when it might eventually stop working. Older systems may be more vulnerable to problems, so budgeting for a replacement unit might be needed faster than expected.
3. Does the System Have a Warranty?
Check if the HVAC system is covered by a warranty. If it is, that’s great news because it can help with maintenance costs. HVAC warranties typically include parts and labor, but specifics will vary. Make sure you go over any terms you don’t recognize to make sure you fully understand your coverage and any possible 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 the records are available. This service history can reveal if the repair needs are high or how often a tune-up was scheduled. You should at least try to track down a history of key tasks like filter changes, which can indicate it received regularly scheduled tune-ups.
5. Do You Know Its Energy Efficiency Ratings?
Finding a home that features an HVAC system with high energy efficiency means lower utility bills and a smaller environmental impact. Check out 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 high AFUE ratings indicate that the fuel is more effectively burned for useable heat.
6. Can You Spot Trouble After Completing an Informal Inspection?
Even without heating and cooling expertise, you should still examine the HVAC system on your own. Keep an eye out for potential issues that haven’t been mentioned by the seller. This includes strange noises, stubborn patches of the house that are too hot or cold and attempts to hide any obvious damage.
7. Have You Sought Out Expert Advice?
If you’re unsure about the condition of the HVAC system, it’s wise to get a professional opinion from certified HVAC professionals. They can spot things you may not know about, such as leaking coolant, damage to the wiring or flawed ductwork.
A Consultation with Air-Right Energy Design Simplifies Your Home-Buying Journey
Finding your first home ought to be exciting, and Air-Right Energy Design will do everything possible to ensure that doesn’t change. Connect with us at 703-260-1148. We can go over the details about how our HVAC services ease your mind, giving you what you need to step into your new home with confidence.
