Completing the search for your first home is thrilling. You’re probably juggling a dozen things or more about making the right choice. We believe that gaining insight into your potential new HVAC system is essential. The property’s HVAC system represents a significant investment and source of potential long-term costs, illustrating why a detailed inspection helps all first-time homebuyers.

In this guide, we’ll outline 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 experts, don’t hesitate to contact AC Sales. 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 features. Furnaces tend to last longer than air conditioners, and relatively new types of HVAC equipment like heat pumps can offer average life spans that are impressively long. Getting the details on the make and specific model gives you a clear idea of how much routine maintenance it might need.

2. How Old Is the Current HVAC System?

Another good idea is to find out 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. Knowing when it was installed helps you plan for possible repair needs or considerations if it might eventually stop working. Older systems are more prone to problems, so planning ahead of time for a replacement unit could be necessary sooner than you thought.

3. What Does the Warranty Cover?

Check if the HVAC system is still under warranty. If it is, that’s great news because it can assist with maintenance expenses. HVAC warranties often cover parts and labor, but specifics 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 a tune-up was scheduled. You should at least try to track down a history of key tasks such as changing the air filter, which can indicate it received regularly scheduled tune-ups.

5. What Are the Energy Efficiency Ratings?

Selecting a system with strong energy efficiency means smaller 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. Higher SEER ratings mean better cooling across the entire season, while high AFUE ratings indicate that the fuel is more effectively burned for useable heat.

6. Have You Noticed Signs of Problems After Completing an Informal Inspection?

Even without heating and cooling expertise, you should still examine the HVAC system on your own. Keep an eye out for signs of problems that weren’t mentioned by the seller or real estate agent. This can mean bizarre noises, spots with uneven heating or cooling and attempts to hide any visible damage.

7. Is an Experienced HVAC Technician Available to Help?

If you’re still hesitant to make an offer because of the condition of the HVAC system, it’s wise to get a professional opinion from certified HVAC technicians. They can spot things you might not, like leaking coolant, bad electrical connections or flawed ductwork.

A Chat with AC Sales Helps Take the Stress Out of Your Home-Buying Journey

Selecting your first home is meant to be a joyful event, and AC Sales can ensure yours is too. Connect with us at (337) 234-2345. 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.