Buying your first home is thrilling. You’re likely juggling a dozen things or more about making the right choice. We believe that understanding your future HVAC system is crucial. The property’s HVAC system represents a significant investment and potential source of long-term costs, illustrating why a detailed inspection helps all 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 more in-depth opinion from the experts, feel free to call Appalachian Heating. Our seasoned technicians can weigh in on your options with industry insights that are second to none.
1. What HVAC System Are You Working With?
Start by determining what kind of HVAC system the home has. Furnaces tend to last longer compared to air conditioners, and newer types of HVAC equipment like heat pumps boast average life spans longer than ever. Getting the details on the make and specific model gives you a clear idea of how much maintenance it will require.
2. What Is the Current System’s Age?
It’s just as smart to learn how old the HVAC system is when you’re looking at a new home. For the most part, HVAC systems should survive for around 10-12 years. Knowing when it was installed helps you plan for possible repair needs or when it might shut down for good. Older systems are more prone to problems, so budgeting for a replacement unit might be needed faster than expected.
3. Does the System Have a Warranty?
Be sure to check the HVAC system is still under warranty. If it is, that’s great news because it can help with maintenance costs. HVAC warranties should take care of parts and labor, but the details in each policy will vary. Review any terms that aren’t familiar to make sure you fully understand your coverage and potential out-of-pocket costs.
4. Does the System Have a Documented Maintenance History?
Next, examine the maintenance history of the HVAC system, if this kind of history is accessible. This kind of information can reveal if the system constantly broke down or how often a tune-up was scheduled. You should at least try to track down a history of key tasks like filter changes, which can indicate it received regularly scheduled tune-ups.
5. Are You Aware of the System’s Energy Efficiency Ratings?
Finding a home that features an HVAC system with high energy efficiency means 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. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the cooling over the whole season, while strong AFUE ratings indicate that the fuel is more effectively burned for useable heat.
6. Did You See Any Problems After Your Own Inspection?
Even if you don’t have the know-how of an HVAC technician, it’s still a good idea to inspect the HVAC system yourself. Watch closely for signs of problems that weren’t mentioned by the seller or real estate agent. This can mean bizarre noises, 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 not quite sure about the overall state of the HVAC system, it’s wise to get an assessment and recommendation from certified HVAC technicians. They can spot things you might miss, like leaking coolant, damage to the wiring or inefficient ductwork.
A Consultation with Appalachian Heating Helps Take the Stress Out of Your Home-Buying Journey
Choosing your first home should be thrilling, and Appalachian Heating wants to ensure yours is too. Connect with us at 304-707-0600. We can talk about how our HVAC services help make this process smoother, giving you what you need to dive into home-ownership with confidence.