Purchasing your first home is an exhilarating experience. You’re probably juggling numerous details 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 potential source of long-term costs, illustrating why a detailed inspection 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 system. And if you want a deeper opinion from the experts, feel free to call Superior Comfort Systems. Our seasoned technicians can help you compare your options with industry insights that are second to none.
1. What Type of HVAC System Is It?
Start by determining what kind of HVAC system the home includes. Furnaces generally last longer than air conditioners, and newer types of HVAC equipment like heat pumps can offer average life spans that are even longer. 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?
Another good idea is to find out how old the HVAC system is when you're considering a new home. In general, HVAC systems should survive for around 10-12 years. Having the knowledge of when it was installed helps you prepare for any needed servicing or when it might eventually stop working. Older systems are more prone to problems, so fiscal planning for a replacement unit might be needed faster than expected.
3. Does the System Have a Warranty?
Don’t forget to look into whether the HVAC system is still under warranty. If it is, that's great news because it can lower maintenance costs. HVAC warranties typically include parts and labor, but specifics will vary. Review any terms that aren’t familiar to make sure you fully understand your coverage and any possible out-of-pocket costs.
4. Has the System Ever Been Professionally Serviced or Maintained?
Take a close look at the maintenance history of the HVAC system, if such information is available. This service history can demonstrate if the system constantly broke down or how often a tune-up was scheduled. You should at least try to track down a history of key tasks such as changing the air filter, which means it enjoyed more regularly scheduled tune-ups.
5. Are You Aware of the System’s Energy Efficiency Ratings?
Purchasing a home with a heating and cooling system with strong energy efficiency can lead to smaller utility bills and less of an impact on the environment. Check out 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 higher AFUE ratings indicate that the fuel is more effectively burned for useable heat.
6. Did You See Any Problems After Completing an Informal Inspection?
Even without experience in HVAC systems, it's still a good idea to inspect the HVAC system on your own. Keep an eye out for any concerning items that might have been overlooked. This can mean bizarre noises, spots with uneven heating or cooling and attempts at concealing any visible damage.
7. Have You Asked Your Local HVAC Professional?
If you're unsure about the condition of the HVAC system, it's wise to get input from trained HVAC technicians. They can spot things you may not know about, such as refrigerant leaks, damage to the wiring or inefficient ductwork.
A Call with Superior Comfort Systems Helps Take the Stress Out of Your Home-Buying Journey
Finding your first home is meant to be a joyful event, and Superior Comfort Systems can ensure that doesn’t change. Connect with us at 828-202-7025. We can discuss how our HVAC services ease your mind, giving you what you need to dive into home-ownership with confidence.
