Purchasing your first home is an exhilarating experience. You’re probably trying to keep track of a dozen things or more about 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 source of potential long-term costs, so being thorough is important for first-time homebuyers.

In this guide, we’ll share seven tips for learning everything you can about a home’s heating and cooling setup. And if you want a deeper opinion from the pros, don’t hesitate to contact Appalachian Heating. Our seasoned technicians can weigh in on your options with industry insights you won’t find elsewhere.

1. What HVAC System Are You Working With?

Start by determining what kind of HVAC system the home features. Furnaces generally last longer compared to air conditioners, and newer types of HVAC products like heat pumps boast average life spans that are even longer. Getting the details on the make and specific model gives you a clear idea of how much it might cost in upkeep over time.

2. How Old Is the Current HVAC System?

It also helps to learn how old the HVAC system is when you’re considering a new home. For the most part, HVAC systems tend to run for about 10-12 years. Knowing when it was installed helps you plan for possible repair 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 might be needed faster than expected.

3. Is the Warranty Still in Effect?

Check if the HVAC system is still under warranty. If it is, that’s great news because it can assist with maintenance expenses. HVAC warranties should take care of parts and labor, but the details in each policy will vary. Make sure you go over any terms that seem confusing to ensure you understand your coverage and any possible out-of-pocket costs.

4. Has the System Ever Been Professionally Serviced or Maintained?

Next, examine the maintenance history of the HVAC system, if such information is available. This kind of information can reveal if the repair needs are high or how often a tune-up was scheduled. Ask about records for key tasks such as changing the air filter, which means it enjoyed more regularly scheduled tune-ups.

5. Do You Know Its Energy Efficiency Ratings?

Selecting a system with high energy efficiency means lower utility bills and less of an impact on the environment. Check out 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 higher AFUE ratings indicate that the fuel is efficiently converted into useable heat.

6. Have You Noticed Signs of Problems During Your Inspection?

Even without experience in HVAC systems, you should still inspect the HVAC system yourself. Look for potential issues 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 obvious damage.

7. Have You Asked Your Local HVAC Professional?

If you’re unsure about the condition of the HVAC system, it’s never a bad idea to get a professional opinion from experienced HVAC technicians. They can spot things you might miss, like refrigerant leaks, damage to the wiring or damaged ductwork.

A Call with Appalachian Heating Simplifies Your Home-Buying Journey

Selecting your first home ought to be exciting, and Appalachian Heating will do everything possible to ensure yours is too. Connect with us at 304-707-0600. We can talk about how our HVAC services ease your mind, giving you what you need to make an offer with confidence.