Purchasing your first home is an exhilarating experience. You’re likely trying to keep track of 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, so being thorough should be a top priority for first-time homebuyers.
In the following guide, we’ll outline seven tips for learning everything you can about a home’s heating and cooling setup. And if you want a deeper opinion from the experts, don't hesitate to contact B&D Air Conditioning. 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 determining what type of HVAC system the home features. Furnaces generally last longer compared to 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 much better sense of how much maintenance it will require.
2. How Old Is the Current HVAC System?
Another good idea is to find out how old the HVAC system is when you're looking at a potential new home. On average, 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 fiscal planning for a replacement unit could be necessary sooner than you thought.
3. Is the Warranty Still in Effect?
Check if the HVAC system is still under warranty. If it is, this can lighten the load for maintenance expenses. HVAC warranties should take care of parts and labor, but specifics will vary. Don’t forget to look into 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?
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. Ask about records for key tasks like filter changes, which is a positive sign indicating regularly scheduled tune-ups.
5. Do You Know Its Energy Efficiency Ratings?
Purchasing a home with a heating and cooling system with strong energy efficiency isn’t just smart; it leads to smaller utility bills and less of an impact on the environment. Try and find the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) ratings for air conditioning as well as the annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) for furnaces. High SEER ratings mean more efficient cooling throughout the season, while higher AFUE ratings mean the fuel is efficiently converted into 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 yourself. Look for potential issues that might have been overlooked. This can mean bizarre noises, stubborn patches of the house that are too hot or cold and attempts to cover up any serious damage.
7. Have You Sought Out Expert Advice?
If you're still hesitant to make an offer because of the condition of the HVAC system, it's wise to get an assessment and recommendation from trained HVAC technicians. They can spot things you might not, such as refrigerant leaks, damage to the wiring or damaged ductwork.
A Consultation with B&D Air Conditioning Helps Take the Stress Out of Your Home-Buying Journey
Selecting your first home ought to be exciting, and B&D Air Conditioning will do everything possible to ensure that doesn’t change. Reach out with us at 928-432-6018. We can go over the details about how our HVAC services give you peace of mind, giving you what you need to dive into home-ownership with confidence.