Buying your first home is an exhilarating experience. You’re probably trying to keep track of numerous details about making the right choice. We believe that gaining insight into your future HVAC system is vital. The property’s HVAC system represents a substantial investment and potential source of long-term costs, illustrating why a detailed inspection should be a top priority for first-time homebuyers.

In the following guide, we’ll share seven tips for discovering all there is to know about a home’s heating and cooling setup. And if you want a more in-depth opinion from the pros, feel free to call Premium Air Services LLC. Our experienced team 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 includes. Furnaces generally last longer compared to 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 clear understanding of how much it might cost in upkeep over time.

2. How Long Ago Was the System Installed?

It’s just as smart to learn how old the HVAC system is when you’re looking at a new home. In general, HVAC systems tend to run for about 10-12 years. Learning its approximate installation date helps you anticipate future maintenance needs or when it might shut down for good. Older systems may be more vulnerable to problems, so planning ahead of time for a replacement unit might be needed faster than expected.

3. What Does the Warranty Cover?

Don’t forget to look into whether the HVAC system is still under warranty. If it is, this can lower maintenance costs. HVAC warranties should take care of parts and labor, but the details in each policy 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. When Was the Last Time It Received Maintenance?

Next, examine the maintenance history of the HVAC system, if this kind of history is available. 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 like filter changes, which is a positive sign indicating regularly scheduled tune-ups.

5. What Are the Energy Efficiency Ratings?

Selecting a system with great energy efficiency means smaller utility bills and less of an impact on the environment. Try and find the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) ratings for air conditioning along with the annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) for furnaces. High SEER ratings mean more efficient cooling throughout the season, while high AFUE ratings illustrate that the fuel is efficiently converted into useable heat.

6. Can You Spot Trouble After Completing an Informal Inspection?

Even without the know-how of an HVAC technician, it’s still a good idea to inspect the HVAC system on your own. Watch closely for signs of problems that haven’t been mentioned by the seller. This might consist of odd sounds, stubborn patches of the house that are too hot or cold and attempts to cover up any obvious damage.

7. Have You Sought Out Expert Advice?

If you’re unsure about the condition of the HVAC system, it’s beneficial to get a professional opinion from certified HVAC professionals. They will be much more likely to catch things you may not know about, such as leaks in the refrigerant, wiring issues or inefficient ductwork.

A Chat with Premium Air Services LLC Helps Take the Stress Out of Your Home-Buying Journey

Finding your first home is meant to be a joyful event, and Premium Air Services LLC will do everything possible to ensure it stays that way. Get in touch with us at 713-364-9957. We can discuss how our HVAC services ease your mind, giving you what you need to step into your new home with confidence.