Purchasing your first home is exciting. You’re probably juggling a dozen things or more to ensure you’re making the right choice. We believe that gaining insight into your future HVAC system is essential. The property’s HVAC system represents a significant investment and potential source of long-term costs, so being thorough 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 experts, consider calling Appalachian Heating. Our seasoned technicians can weigh in on your options with industry insights that are second to none.
1. Which Kind of HVAC System Does the Home Use?
Start by determining what specific HVAC system the home has. Furnaces generally last longer than air conditioners, and newer types of HVAC systems like heat pumps boast average life spans that are impressively long. Getting the details on the make and specific model gives you a clear understanding of how much routine maintenance it might need.
2. What Is the Current System’s Age?
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 should survive for around 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 may be more vulnerable to 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 help with maintenance expenses. 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 potential out-of-pocket costs.
4. Does the System Have a Documented Maintenance History?
Don't forget to check the maintenance history of the HVAC system, if that information is accessible. This kind of information 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 such as changing the air filter, which can indicate it received 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 great energy efficiency isn’t just smart; it leads to lower 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. High SEER ratings mean more efficient cooling throughout the season, while higher AFUE ratings illustrate that the fuel is more effectively burned for useable heat.
6. Can You Spot Trouble After Your Own Inspection?
Even if you don’t have heating and cooling expertise, you should still examine the HVAC system on your own. Keep an eye out for signs of problems that haven't been mentioned by the seller. This includes strange noises, spots with uneven heating or cooling and attempts to hide any obvious 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 never a bad idea to get an assessment and recommendation from trained HVAC technicians. They are skilled at identifying things you might not, such as leaking coolant, damage to the wiring or inefficient ductwork.
A Call with Appalachian Heating Simplifies Your Home-Buying Journey
Finding your first home is meant to be a joyful event, and Appalachian Heating will do everything possible to ensure it stays that way. Reach out with us at 304-707-0600. 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.
