Buying 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 gaining insight into your future HVAC system is essential. The property’s HVAC system represents a substantial investment and potential source of long-term costs, so being thorough should be a top priority for 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 experts, consider calling Superior Comfort Systems. Our experienced team can help you compare your options with industry insights that are second to none.
1. What HVAC System Are You Working With?
Start by determining what specific HVAC system the home has. Furnaces tend to last longer compared to air conditioners, and some of the latest types of HVAC equipment like heat pumps feature average life spans that are even longer. Knowing the make and specific model ensures you have a much better sense of how much routine maintenance it might need.
2. How Long Ago Was the System Installed?
It also helps to learn how old the HVAC system is when you’re considering a new home. For the most part, HVAC systems last about 10-12 years. Learning its approximate installation date helps you prepare for any needed servicing or when it might eventually stop working. Older systems are at a higher risk of problems, so fiscal planning for a replacement unit might be needed faster than expected.
3. Is the Warranty Still in Effect?
Don’t forget to look into whether the HVAC system is covered by a warranty. If it is, you’ll appreciate how it can assist with maintenance costs. HVAC warranties often cover parts and labor, but specifics will vary. Make sure you go over any terms you don’t recognize to ensure you understand your coverage and potential out-of-pocket costs.
4. Has the System Ever Been Professionally Serviced or Maintained?
Next, examine the maintenance history of the HVAC system, if that information is accessible. 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 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 high energy efficiency isn’t just smart; it leads to more manageable utility bills and a smaller environmental impact. Look for the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) ratings for air conditioning along with the annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) for furnaces. Higher SEER ratings mean better cooling across the entire season, while strong AFUE ratings indicate that the fuel is efficiently converted into useable heat.
6. Have You Noticed Signs of Problems After Completing an Informal Inspection?
Even if you don’t have heating and cooling expertise, you can still take a moment to inspect the HVAC system on your own. Watch closely for any concerning items that might have been overlooked. This can mean bizarre noises, spots with uneven heating or cooling and attempts to hide any visible damage.
7. Have You Sought Out Expert Advice?
If you’re still hesitant to make an offer because of the current state of the HVAC system, it’s never a bad idea to get a professional opinion from certified HVAC professionals. They can spot things you might not, including refrigerant leaks, damage to the wiring or damaged ductwork.
A Consultation with Superior Comfort Systems Simplifies Your Home-Buying Journey
Selecting your first home ought to be exciting, and Superior Comfort Systems can ensure it stays that way. Reach out with us at 828-202-7025. We can go over the details about how our HVAC services give you peace of mind, giving you what you need to dive into home-ownership with confidence.
