Completing the search for your first home is thrilling. You’re likely juggling a dozen things or more about making the right choice. We believe that gaining insight into your potential new 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 the following 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 pros, don’t hesitate to contact B&D Air Conditioning. Our seasoned technicians can help you compare your options with industry insights you won’t find elsewhere.
1. What HVAC System Are You Working With?
Start by determining what specific HVAC system the home includes. Furnaces tend to last longer than air conditioners, and relatively new types of HVAC systems like heat pumps feature average life spans longer than ever. Tracking down 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?
Another good idea is to find out 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 anticipate future maintenance needs or considerations if it might shut down for good. 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, this can help with maintenance expenses. HVAC warranties typically include parts and labor, but it’s important to note that details will vary. Don’t forget to look into any terms you don’t recognize to make sure you fully understand your coverage and any possible out-of-pocket costs.
4. Does the System Have a Documented Maintenance History?
Don’t forget to check 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. Ask about records for key tasks like filter changes, which means it enjoyed more regularly scheduled tune-ups.
5. Do You Know Its Energy Efficiency Ratings?
Finding a home that features an HVAC system with great energy efficiency means lower utility bills and a smaller environmental impact. Try and find the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) ratings for air conditioning as well as the annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) for furnaces. Higher SEER ratings mean better cooling across the entire season, while higher AFUE ratings mean the fuel is efficiently converted into useable heat.
6. Did You See Any Problems After Completing an Informal Inspection?
Even without heating and cooling expertise, you should still examine the HVAC system yourself. Look for signs of problems that weren’t mentioned by the seller or real estate agent. This can mean bizarre noises, unequal airflow and attempts at concealing any visible damage.
7. Have You Asked Your Local HVAC Professional?
If you’re unsure about the condition of the HVAC system, it’s wise to get input from experienced HVAC technicians. They will be much more likely to catch things you may not know about, such as leaks in the refrigerant, bad electrical connections or flawed ductwork.
A Consultation with B&D Air Conditioning Simplifies Your Home-Buying Journey
Finding your first home ought to be exciting, and B&D Air Conditioning will do everything possible to ensure yours is too. Get in touch with us at 928-432-6018. We can talk about how our HVAC services help make this process smoother, giving you what you need to step into your new home with confidence.