Buying your first home is an exhilarating experience. You’re likely juggling a dozen things or more to ensure you’re making the right choice. We believe that gaining insight into your potential new HVAC system is vital. The property’s HVAC system represents a significant investment and source of potential long-term costs, which is why due diligence helps all first-time homebuyers.
In this guide, we’ll share 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, feel free to call Premium Air Services LLC. Our staff can weigh in on your options with industry insights you won’t find elsewhere.
1. What Type of HVAC System Is It?
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 feature average life spans longer than ever. Getting the details on the make and specific model provides a clear understanding of how much routine maintenance it might need.
2. How Long Ago Was the System Installed?
It also helps to learn 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. Learning its approximate installation date helps you anticipate future maintenance needs or when it might shut down for good. Older systems are at a higher risk of problems, so fiscal planning for a replacement unit could be necessary sooner than you thought.
3. Does the System Have a Warranty?
Don’t forget to look into whether the HVAC system is covered by a warranty. If it is, this can lower maintenance expenses. HVAC warranties typically include parts and labor, but specifics will vary. Don’t forget to look into any terms you don’t recognize to make sure you fully understand your coverage and the likelihood of out-of-pocket costs.
4. Has the System Ever Been Professionally Serviced or Maintained?
Next, examine the maintenance history of the HVAC system, if this kind of history is available. This service history can demonstrate if there have been regular problems or how often a tune-up was scheduled. Inquire about key tasks such as changing the air filter, 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 great energy efficiency can lead to 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 mean the fuel is efficiently converted into useable heat.
6. Did You See Any Problems During Your Inspection?
Even if you don’t have experience in HVAC systems, you should still check out the HVAC system yourself. Look for potential issues that weren’t mentioned by the seller or real estate agent. This includes strange noises, unequal airflow and attempts at concealing any visible damage.
7. Is an Experienced HVAC Technician Available to Help?
If you're not quite sure about the condition of the HVAC system, it's beneficial to get an assessment and recommendation from experienced HVAC professionals. They are skilled at identifying things you may not know about, like leaks in the refrigerant, bad electrical connections or damaged ductwork.
A Call with Premium Air Services LLC Helps Take the Stress Out of Your Home-Buying Journey
Selecting your first home should be thrilling, and Premium Air Services LLC wants to ensure yours is too. Reach out with us at 713-364-9957. We can talk about how our HVAC services give you peace of mind, giving you what you need to dive into home-ownership with confidence.