Purchasing your first home is an exhilarating experience. You’re likely juggling a dozen things or more about making the right choice. We believe that understanding your future HVAC system is vital. The property’s HVAC system represents a substantial investment and source of potential 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 system. And if you want a deeper opinion from the pros, don’t hesitate to contact B&D Air Conditioning. Our seasoned technicians can share details about your options with industry insights that are second to none.
1. What Type of HVAC System Is It?
Start by determining what specific HVAC system the home features. Furnaces generally last longer than air conditioners, and newer types of HVAC products like heat pumps feature average life spans that are impressively long. Knowing the make and specific model gives you a clear understanding of how much maintenance it will require.
2. What Is the Current System’s Age?
It’s just as smart to learn how old the HVAC system is when you’re considering 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 considerations if it might break down. 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?
Be sure to check the HVAC system is covered by a warranty. If it is, that’s great news because it can lighten the load for maintenance costs. HVAC warranties typically include parts and labor, but the details in each policy will vary. Review any terms that seem confusing to make sure you fully understand your coverage and potential 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 the records are available. This kind of information can demonstrate if there have been regular problems or how often maintenance is performed. Inquire about key tasks such as changing the air filter, 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 strong energy efficiency can lead to smaller utility bills and a smaller environmental impact. Check out 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 strong AFUE ratings indicate that the fuel is efficiently converted into useable heat.
6. Did You See Any Problems During Your Inspection?
Even if you don’t have the know-how of an HVAC technician, it’s still a good idea to inspect the HVAC system on your own. Look for potential issues that weren’t mentioned by the seller or real estate agent. This includes strange noises, spots with uneven heating or cooling and attempts at concealing any serious damage.
7. Have You Asked Your Local HVAC Professional?
If you’re still hesitant to make an offer because of the condition of the HVAC system, it’s wise to get an assessment and recommendation from experienced HVAC technicians. They will be much more likely to catch things you might miss, such as leaks in the refrigerant, bad electrical connections or damaged ductwork.
A Chat with B&D Air Conditioning Simplifies Your Home-Buying Journey
Choosing your first home is meant to be a joyful event, and B&D Air Conditioning wants to ensure it stays that way. Get in touch with us at 928-432-6018. We can go over the details about how our HVAC services give you peace of mind, giving you what you need to make an offer with confidence.