Purchasing your first home is thrilling. You’re likely trying to keep track of numerous details to ensure you’re making the right choice. We believe that understanding your future HVAC system is crucial. The property’s HVAC system represents a significant investment and potential source of long-term costs, illustrating why a detailed inspection helps all first-time homebuyers.
In this guide, we’ll outline seven tips for discovering all there is to know about a home’s heating and cooling setup. And if you want a deeper opinion from the experts, feel free to call Service Max Heating & Air Conditioning. Our seasoned technicians 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 determining what specific HVAC system the home includes. Furnaces tend to last longer than air conditioners, and relatively new types of HVAC products like heat pumps boast average life spans that are even longer. Knowing the make and specific model gives you a much better sense of how much routine maintenance it might need.
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. In general, HVAC systems should survive for around 10-12 years. Having the knowledge of when it was installed helps you anticipate future maintenance needs or when it might eventually stop working. Older systems are more prone to problems, so budgeting for a replacement unit might be needed faster than expected.
3. Does the System Have a Warranty?
Don’t forget to look into whether the HVAC system is covered by a warranty. If it is, that’s great news because it can assist with maintenance expenses. HVAC warranties typically include parts and labor, but it’s important to note that details will vary. Review any terms that aren’t familiar 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?
Next, examine the maintenance history of the HVAC system, if that information is accessible. This kind of information can demonstrate if the repair needs are high or how much upkeep was provided. 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?
Finding a home that features an HVAC system with high energy efficiency can lead to more manageable utility bills and less of an impact on the environment. Check out the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) ratings for air conditioning as well as the annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) for furnaces. High SEER ratings mean more efficient cooling throughout the season, while strong AFUE ratings indicate that the fuel is more effectively burned for useable heat.
6. Can You Spot Trouble During Your Inspection?
Even without experience in HVAC systems, you can still take a moment to check out the HVAC system on your own. Look for any concerning items that haven’t been mentioned by the seller. This might consist of odd sounds, spots with uneven heating or cooling and attempts at concealing any obvious damage.
7. Have You Asked Your Local HVAC Professional?
If you’re not quite sure about the overall state of the HVAC system, it’s never a bad idea to get a professional opinion from certified HVAC technicians. They will be much more likely to catch things you might miss, like leaking coolant, damage to the wiring or inefficient ductwork.
A Chat with Service Max Heating & Air Conditioning Helps Take the Stress Out of Your Home-Buying Journey
Finding your first home ought to be exciting, and Service Max Heating & Air Conditioning will do everything possible to ensure it stays that way. Get in touch with us at 360-255-5857. We can go over the details about how our HVAC services help make this process smoother, giving you what you need to step into your new home with confidence.