Buying your first home is an exhilarating experience. You’re probably juggling numerous details to ensure you’re making the right choice. We believe that gaining insight into your future HVAC system is vital. The property’s HVAC system represents a substantial investment and potential source of long-term costs, so being thorough 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 more in-depth opinion from the pros, don't hesitate to contact HCE Systems. Our experienced team can help you compare your options with industry insights you won’t find elsewhere.
1. What HVAC System Are You Working With?
Start by clarifying what kind of HVAC system the home has. Furnaces tend to last longer compared to air conditioners, and relatively new types of HVAC equipment like heat pumps feature average life spans that are even longer. Knowing the make and specific model gives you a much better sense of how much it might cost in upkeep over time.
2. What Is the Current System’s Age?
It also helps 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 prepare for any needed servicing or considerations if it might shut down for good. Older systems are at a higher risk of problems, so budgeting for a replacement unit could be necessary sooner than you thought.
3. Is the Warranty Active?
Check if the HVAC system is still under warranty. If it is, you’ll appreciate how it can assist with maintenance expenses. HVAC warranties should take care of parts and labor, but the details in each policy will vary. Make sure you go over any terms you don’t recognize to make sure you fully understand your coverage and the likelihood of out-of-pocket costs.
4. When Was the Last Time It Received Maintenance?
Take a close look at the maintenance history of the HVAC system, if the records are accessible. This kind of information can demonstrate if there have been regular problems 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. What Are the Energy Efficiency Ratings?
Selecting a system with great energy efficiency can lead to lower utility bills and less of an impact on the environment. Locate the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) ratings for air conditioning and 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. Have You Noticed Signs of Problems During Your Inspection?
Even if you don’t have the know-how of an HVAC technician, it's still a good idea to check out the HVAC system yourself. Look for signs of problems that haven't been mentioned by the seller. This can mean bizarre noises, unequal airflow and attempts at concealing any serious damage.
7. Is an Experienced HVAC Technician Available to Help?
If you're not quite sure about the overall state of the HVAC system, it's beneficial to get an assessment and recommendation from trained HVAC professionals. They can spot things you may not know about, like leaking coolant, damage to the wiring or flawed ductwork.
A Consultation with HCE Systems Helps Take the Stress Out of Your Home-Buying Journey
Finding your first home is meant to be a joyful event, and HCE Systems will do everything possible to ensure it stays that way. Connect with us at 276-302-0076. We can talk about how our HVAC services give you peace of mind, giving you what you need to step into your new home with confidence.