Buying your first home is exciting. You’re probably 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 substantial 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 discovering all there is to know about a home’s heating and cooling setup. And if you want a deeper opinion from the experts, feel free to call Precision Mechanical. Our seasoned technicians can help you compare your options with industry insights you won’t find elsewhere.
1. What Type of HVAC System Is It?
Start by identifying what kind of HVAC system the home includes. Furnaces tend to last longer compared to air conditioners, and newer types of HVAC equipment like heat pumps can offer average life spans that are even longer. Knowing the make and specific model ensures you have a clear idea of how much maintenance it will require.
2. What Is the Current System’s Age?
It also helps to learn how old the HVAC system is when you're looking at a potential new home. In general, HVAC systems tend to run for about 10-12 years. Knowing when it was installed helps you anticipate future maintenance needs or considerations if it might shut down for good. Older systems are at a higher risk of problems, so fiscal planning for a replacement unit could be necessary sooner than you thought.
3. What Does the Warranty Cover?
Don’t forget to look into whether the HVAC system is still under warranty. If it is, you’ll appreciate how it can help with maintenance costs. HVAC warranties often cover parts and labor, but the details in each policy will vary. Don’t forget to look into any terms you don’t recognize to ensure you 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 this kind of history is available. This service history can reveal if the system constantly broke down or how often a tune-up was scheduled. Ask about records for key tasks such as changing the air filter, which is a positive sign indicating regularly scheduled tune-ups.
5. Do You Know Its Energy Efficiency Ratings?
Selecting a system with high energy efficiency can lead to more manageable utility bills and a smaller environmental impact. Locate 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 mean the fuel is more effectively burned for useable heat.
6. Have You Noticed Signs of Problems After Your Own Inspection?
Even without the know-how of an HVAC technician, it's still a good idea to examine the HVAC system yourself. Keep an eye out for signs of problems that weren’t mentioned by the seller or real estate agent. This includes strange noises, stubborn patches of the house that are too hot or cold and attempts to cover up any obvious damage.
7. Is an Experienced HVAC Technician Available to Help?
If you're not quite sure about the condition of the HVAC system, it's beneficial to get a professional opinion from trained HVAC professionals. They are skilled at identifying things you may not know about, like refrigerant leaks, bad electrical connections or flawed ductwork.
A Consultation with Precision Mechanical Simplifies Your Home-Buying Journey
Finding your first home is meant to be a joyful event, and Precision Mechanical will do everything possible to ensure yours is too. Connect with us at 605-206-3766. 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.
