Buying your first home is thrilling. You’re probably juggling a dozen things or more about making the right choice. We believe that understanding your potential new 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 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 setup. And if you want a more in-depth opinion from the pros, don’t hesitate to contact Stanford Heating & Cooling. Our experienced team can share details about your options with industry insights you won’t find elsewhere.
1. Which Kind of HVAC System Does the Home Use?
Start by identifying what specific HVAC system the home includes. Furnaces tend to last longer compared to air conditioners, and relatively new types of HVAC systems like heat pumps feature average life spans that are impressively long. Tracking down the make and specific model gives you a clear understanding of how much maintenance it will require.
2. How Long Ago Was the System Installed?
Another good idea is to find out how old the HVAC system is when you’re looking at a new home. On average, HVAC systems last about 10-12 years. Knowing when it was installed helps you anticipate future maintenance needs or when it might break down. Older systems may be more vulnerable to problems, so fiscal planning for a replacement unit might be needed faster than expected.
3. What Does the Warranty Cover?
Don’t forget to look into whether the HVAC system is still under warranty. If it is, that’s great news because it can lower maintenance costs. HVAC warranties typically include parts and labor, but specifics will vary. Don’t forget to look into any terms you don’t recognize to make sure you fully understand your coverage and the likelihood of out-of-pocket costs.
4. Does the System Have a Documented Maintenance History?
Take a close look at the maintenance history of the HVAC system, if the records are available. This kind of information can reveal if the system constantly broke down or how much upkeep was provided. Inquire about key tasks like filter changes, which is a positive sign indicating regularly scheduled tune-ups.
5. Do You Know Its Energy Efficiency Ratings?
Purchasing a home with a heating and cooling system with great energy efficiency means smaller 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. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the cooling over the whole season, while higher AFUE ratings indicate that the fuel is efficiently converted into useable heat.
6. Can You Spot Trouble After Completing an Informal Inspection?
Even if you don’t have experience in HVAC systems, it’s still a good idea to inspect the HVAC system yourself. Keep an eye out for any concerning items that weren’t mentioned by the seller or real estate agent. This includes strange noises, stubborn patches of the house that are too hot or cold and attempts to cover up any serious damage.
7. Is an Experienced HVAC Technician Available to Help?
If you’re unsure about the overall state of the HVAC system, it’s wise to get input from trained HVAC technicians. They are skilled at identifying things you might miss, including refrigerant leaks, bad electrical connections or damaged ductwork.
A Consultation with Stanford Heating & Cooling Helps Take the Stress Out of Your Home-Buying Journey
Choosing your first home is meant to be a joyful event, and Stanford Heating & Cooling can ensure that doesn’t change. Get in touch with us at 812-825-8695. We can talk about how our HVAC services help make this process smoother, giving you what you need to make an offer with confidence.
