Completing the search for your first home is thrilling. You’re probably trying to keep track of a dozen things or more about making the right choice. We believe that gaining insight into your future HVAC system is essential. The property’s HVAC system represents a significant investment and source of potential long-term costs, so being thorough should be a top priority for first-time homebuyers.
In the following guide, we’ll share seven tips for learning everything you can about a home’s heating and cooling system. And if you want a deeper opinion from the experts, feel free to call Lakeside Heating & Air. Our staff can help you compare your options with industry insights you won’t find elsewhere.
1. What HVAC System Are You Working With?
Start by identifying what specific HVAC system the home includes. Furnaces tend to last longer compared to air conditioners, and newer types of HVAC systems like heat pumps feature average life spans that are impressively long. Tracking down the make and specific model provides a much better sense of how much routine maintenance it might need.
2. How Old Is the Current HVAC System?
It’s just as smart to learn how old the HVAC system is when you’re considering a new home. In general, HVAC systems tend to run for about 10-12 years. Learning its approximate installation date helps you prepare for any needed servicing or when it might eventually stop working. Older systems are at a higher risk of problems, so planning ahead of time for a replacement unit could be necessary sooner than you thought.
3. Is the Warranty Active?
Be sure to check the HVAC system is still under warranty. If it is, that’s great news because it can help with maintenance costs. HVAC warranties should take care of parts and labor, but specifics will vary. Review any terms you don’t recognize 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?
Don’t forget to check the maintenance history of the HVAC system, if that information is 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?
Finding a home that features an HVAC system with high energy efficiency means more manageable utility bills and a smaller environmental impact. Look for the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) ratings for air conditioning along with the annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) for furnaces. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the cooling over the whole season, while strong AFUE ratings mean 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 examine the HVAC system yourself. Keep an eye out for signs of problems that haven’t been mentioned by the seller. This can mean bizarre noises, stubborn patches of the house that are too hot or cold and attempts to cover up any serious damage.
7. Have You Sought Out Expert Advice?
If you’re not quite sure about the current state of the HVAC system, it’s never a bad idea to get input from trained HVAC professionals. They can spot things you might miss, like refrigerant leaks, damage to the wiring or inefficient ductwork.
A Call with Lakeside Heating & Air Simplifies Your Home-Buying Journey
Finding your first home is meant to be a joyful event, and Lakeside Heating & Air will do everything possible to ensure that doesn’t change. Reach out with us at 509-284-4265. We can discuss how our HVAC services help make this process smoother, giving you what you need to make an offer with confidence.
