Purchasing your first home is thrilling. You’re likely trying to keep track of a dozen things or more about making the right choice. We believe that gaining insight into your future HVAC system is crucial. The property’s HVAC system represents a significant investment and source of potential long-term costs, which is why due diligence 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 system. And if you want a deeper opinion from the experts, feel free to call Stanford Heating & Cooling. Our experienced team can weigh in on your options with industry insights you won’t find elsewhere.
1. Which Kind of HVAC System Does the Home Use?
Start by determining what kind of HVAC system the home features. Furnaces generally last longer than air conditioners, and some of the latest types of HVAC systems like heat pumps boast average life spans longer than ever. Knowing 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. For the most part, HVAC systems should survive for around 10-12 years. Learning its approximate installation date helps you plan for possible repair needs or considerations if it might break down. Older systems may be more vulnerable to problems, so planning ahead of time for a replacement unit could be necessary sooner than you thought.
3. Is the Warranty Active?
Don’t forget to look into whether the HVAC system is still under warranty. If it is, this can lower maintenance costs. HVAC warranties should take care of parts and labor, but the details in each policy will vary. Make sure you go over any terms that seem confusing 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 such information is accessible. This service history can reveal if the repair needs are high or how often maintenance is performed. 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. What Are the Energy Efficiency Ratings?
Purchasing a home with a heating and cooling system with high energy efficiency can lead to smaller utility bills and a smaller environmental impact. Try and find the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) ratings for air conditioning and the annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) for furnaces. High SEER ratings mean more efficient cooling throughout the season, while higher AFUE ratings illustrate that the fuel is more effectively burned for useable heat.
6. Did You See Any Problems During Your Inspection?
Even if you don’t have experience in HVAC systems, it’s still a good idea to check out the HVAC system yourself. Look for signs of problems that might have been overlooked. This might consist of odd sounds, stubborn patches of the house that are too hot or cold and attempts to cover up any visible damage.
7. Is an Experienced HVAC Technician Available to Help?
If you’re not quite sure about the current state of the HVAC system, it’s never a bad idea to get a professional opinion from experienced HVAC technicians. They will be much more likely to catch things you might miss, like refrigerant leaks, bad electrical connections or flawed ductwork.
A Consultation with Stanford Heating & Cooling Simplifies Your Home-Buying Journey
Finding your first home is meant to be a joyful event, and Stanford Heating & Cooling wants to ensure yours is too. Connect with us at 812-825-8695. We can go over the details about how our HVAC services help make this process smoother, giving you what you need to dive into home-ownership with confidence.
