Completing the search for your first home is exciting. You’re likely juggling numerous details to ensure you’re making the right choice. We believe that understanding your future HVAC system is essential. The property’s HVAC system represents a substantial investment and source of potential long-term costs, illustrating why a detailed inspection should be a top priority 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 more in-depth opinion from the pros, don't hesitate to contact Temperature Doctors Heating & Cooling. Our staff can help you compare your options with industry insights you won’t find elsewhere.
1. What HVAC System Are You Working With?
Start by identifying what specific HVAC system the home has. Furnaces tend to last longer than air conditioners, and relatively new types of HVAC products like heat pumps feature average life spans longer than ever. Tracking down the make and specific model ensures you have a clear idea 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 considering a potential new home. For the most part, HVAC systems tend to run for about 10-12 years. Knowing when it was installed helps you prepare for any needed servicing or when it might eventually stop working. Older systems are at a higher risk of problems, so planning ahead of time for a replacement unit could be necessary sooner than you thought.
3. What Does the Warranty Cover?
Be sure to check the HVAC system is still under warranty. If it is, that's great news because it can lower maintenance costs. HVAC warranties should take care of parts and labor, but it's important to note that details will vary. Review any terms you don’t recognize 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 that information is available. This kind of information can demonstrate if the system constantly broke down or how often a tune-up was scheduled. Inquire about key tasks like filter changes, which means it enjoyed more regularly scheduled tune-ups.
5. Are You Aware of the System’s Energy Efficiency Ratings?
Selecting a system with great energy efficiency isn’t just smart; it leads to lower utility bills and less of an impact on the environment. Look for the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) ratings for air conditioning as well as the annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) for furnaces. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the cooling over the whole season, while high AFUE ratings illustrate that the fuel is efficiently converted into useable heat.
6. Can You Spot Trouble During Your Inspection?
Even if you don’t have heating and cooling expertise, you can still take a moment to check out the HVAC system yourself. Watch closely for signs of problems that weren’t mentioned by the seller or real estate agent. This might consist of odd sounds, stubborn patches of the house that are too hot or cold and attempts to cover up any visible damage.
7. Have You Sought Out Expert Advice?
If you're not quite sure about the condition of the HVAC system, it's beneficial to get input from trained HVAC technicians. They can spot things you may not know about, including refrigerant leaks, wiring issues or inefficient ductwork.
A Chat with Temperature Doctors Heating & Cooling Simplifies Your Home-Buying Journey
Finding your first home ought to be exciting, and Temperature Doctors Heating & Cooling can ensure yours is too. Connect with us at (815) 914-6197. We can discuss how our HVAC services help make this process smoother, giving you what you need to step into your new home with confidence.