Completing the search for your first home is thrilling. You’re likely trying to keep track of a dozen things or more to ensure you’re making the right choice. We believe that understanding your potential new HVAC system is crucial. The property’s HVAC system represents a significant investment and source of potential long-term costs, illustrating why a detailed inspection is important for first-time homebuyers.
In the following guide, we’ll share seven tips for discovering all there is to know about a home’s heating and cooling setup. And if you want a deeper opinion from the experts, don’t hesitate to contact Northglenn Heating & Air Conditioning. Our staff can weigh in on your options with industry insights you won’t find elsewhere.
1. Which Kind of HVAC System Does the Home Use?
Start by clarifying what specific HVAC system the home includes. Furnaces generally last longer than air conditioners, and some of the latest types of HVAC products like heat pumps boast average life spans longer than ever. Knowing the make and specific model gives you a clear understanding of how much maintenance it will require.
2. What Is the Current System’s Age?
Another good idea is to find out how old the HVAC system is when you’re looking at a potential new home. For the most part, HVAC systems tend to run for about 10-12 years. Learning its approximate installation date helps you anticipate future maintenance needs or when it might break down. Older systems are at a higher risk of problems, so planning ahead of time for a replacement unit might be needed faster than expected.
3. Is the Warranty Active?
Check if the HVAC system is still under warranty. If it is, you’ll appreciate how it can assist with maintenance expenses. HVAC warranties often cover 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 potential out-of-pocket costs.
4. When Was the Last Time It Received Maintenance?
Don’t forget to check the maintenance history of the HVAC system, if the records are available. This kind of information 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 such as changing the air filter, which means it enjoyed more regularly scheduled tune-ups.
5. What Are the Energy Efficiency Ratings?
Purchasing a home with a heating and cooling system with high 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 as well as the annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) for furnaces. Higher SEER ratings mean better cooling across the entire season, while strong AFUE ratings indicate that the fuel is efficiently converted into useable heat.
6. Did You See Any Problems After Your Own Inspection?
Even if you don’t have experience in HVAC systems, it’s still a good idea to inspect the HVAC system on your own. Keep an eye out for signs of problems that haven’t been mentioned by the seller. This might consist of odd sounds, stubborn patches of the house that are too hot or cold and attempts to hide any serious damage.
7. Have You Sought Out Expert Advice?
If you’re still hesitant to make an offer because of the overall state of the HVAC system, it’s wise to get a professional opinion from trained HVAC technicians. They will be much more likely to catch things you may not know about, including leaks in the refrigerant, wiring issues or damaged ductwork.
A Call with Northglenn Heating & Air Conditioning Helps Take the Stress Out of Your Home-Buying Journey
Selecting your first home should be thrilling, and Northglenn Heating & Air Conditioning can ensure that doesn’t change. Connect with us at 303-452-4146. We can go over the details about how our HVAC services help make this process smoother, giving you what you need to dive into home-ownership with confidence.