Buying 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 understanding your potential new HVAC system is crucial. The property’s HVAC system represents a substantial investment and potential source of long-term costs, so being thorough 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 experts, don’t hesitate to contact Durable Service. Our seasoned technicians can weigh in on your options with industry insights that are second to none.
1. What HVAC System Are You Working With?
Start by identifying what specific HVAC system the home has. Furnaces tend to last longer compared to air conditioners, and some of the latest types of HVAC products like heat pumps can offer average life spans longer than ever. Tracking down the make and specific model ensures you have a clear idea of how much maintenance it will require.
2. How Long Ago Was the System Installed?
Another good idea is to find out how old the HVAC system is when you’re considering a potential new home. On average, HVAC systems tend to run for about 10-12 years. Learning its approximate installation date helps you plan for possible repair needs or when it might eventually stop working. Older systems may be more vulnerable to problems, so planning ahead of time for a replacement unit might be needed faster than expected.
3. Does the System Have a Warranty?
Check if the HVAC system is covered by a warranty. If it is, that’s great news because it can lower maintenance costs. HVAC warranties typically include parts and labor, but it’s important to note that details will vary. Make sure you go over 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?
Take a close look at the maintenance history of the HVAC system, if that information is accessible. This service history can demonstrate 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?
Finding a home that features an HVAC system with great energy efficiency isn’t just smart; it leads to smaller utility bills and a smaller environmental impact. Try and find the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) ratings for air conditioning and the annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) for furnaces. Higher SEER ratings mean better cooling across the entire season, while strong AFUE ratings illustrate that the fuel is more effectively burned for useable heat.
6. Have You Noticed Signs of Problems After Your Own Inspection?
Even without the know-how of an HVAC technician, you can still take a moment to inspect the HVAC system yourself. Keep an eye out for signs of problems that might have been overlooked. This might consist of odd sounds, spots with uneven heating or cooling and attempts to cover up any serious damage.
7. Have You Sought Out Expert Advice?
If you’re not quite sure about the overall state of the HVAC system, it’s beneficial to get input from trained HVAC professionals. They are skilled at identifying things you might miss, like refrigerant leaks, bad electrical connections or damaged ductwork.
A Consultation with Durable Service Helps Take the Stress Out of Your Home-Buying Journey
Choosing your first home ought to be exciting, and Durable Service will do everything possible to ensure that doesn’t change. Reach out with us at 308-995-8177. We can discuss how our HVAC services ease your mind, giving you what you need to make an offer with confidence.
