Purchasing 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 crucial. The property’s HVAC system represents a substantial investment and source of potential long-term costs, which is why due diligence is important for first-time homebuyers.
In this 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 experts, don’t hesitate to contact Phelps Heating & Cooling, Inc.. Our experienced team can share details about your options with industry insights that are second to none.
1. What HVAC System Are You Working With?
Start by identifying what type of HVAC system the home includes. Furnaces generally last longer than air conditioners, and newer types of HVAC products like heat pumps boast average life spans longer than ever. Knowing the make and specific model ensures you have a clear idea of how much routine maintenance it might need.
2. How Old Is the Current HVAC System?
It also helps to learn how old the HVAC system is when you’re looking at a new home. On average, HVAC systems tend to run for about 10-12 years. Having the knowledge of when it was installed helps you anticipate future maintenance needs or considerations if it might shut down for good. Older systems are more prone to problems, so budgeting for a replacement unit could be necessary sooner than you thought.
3. Is the Warranty Active?
Check if the HVAC system is still under warranty. If it is, this can help with maintenance costs. HVAC warranties often cover parts and labor, but specifics will vary. Review any terms that seem confusing to make sure you fully understand your coverage and any possible out-of-pocket costs.
4. When Was the Last Time It Received Maintenance?
Take a close look at the maintenance history of the HVAC system, if such information is accessible. This service history can reveal if there have been regular problems or how often maintenance is performed. You should at least try to track down a history of key tasks like filter changes, which means it enjoyed more regularly scheduled tune-ups.
5. What Are the Energy Efficiency Ratings?
Finding a home that features an HVAC system with great energy efficiency means lower utility bills and less of an impact on the environment. Try and find the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) ratings for air conditioning and the annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) for furnaces. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the cooling over the whole season, while higher AFUE ratings illustrate that the fuel is efficiently converted into useable heat.
6. Did You See Any Problems During Your Inspection?
Even without experience in HVAC systems, you can still take a moment to inspect the HVAC system on your own. Keep an eye out for any concerning items that haven’t been mentioned by the seller. This might consist of odd sounds, spots with uneven heating or cooling and attempts to hide any obvious damage.
7. Is an Experienced HVAC Technician Available to Help?
If you’re unsure about the current state of the HVAC system, it’s never a bad idea to get an assessment and recommendation from trained HVAC professionals. They can spot things you may not know about, like leaking coolant, bad electrical connections or flawed ductwork.
A Consultation with Phelps Heating & Cooling, Inc. Simplifies Your Home-Buying Journey
Finding your first home should be thrilling, and Phelps Heating & Cooling, Inc. will do everything possible to ensure yours is too. Reach out with us at 270-358-3167. We can go over the details about how our HVAC services help make this process smoother, giving you what you need to make an offer with confidence.
