Buying your first home is an exhilarating experience. You’re probably trying to keep track of numerous details to ensure you’re making the right choice. We believe that gaining insight into your future HVAC system is crucial. The property’s HVAC system represents a substantial investment and potential source of long-term costs, which is why due diligence helps all first-time homebuyers.

In the following guide, we’ll outline seven tips for learning everything you can about a home’s heating and cooling system. And if you want a deeper opinion from the pros, consider calling PS Cool Heat. Our seasoned technicians can share details about your options with industry insights that are second to none.

1. Which Kind of HVAC System Does the Home Use?

Start by determining what type of HVAC system the home has. Furnaces generally last longer compared to air conditioners, and relatively new types of HVAC products like heat pumps feature average life spans that are even longer. Tracking down the make and specific model provides a clear idea of how much routine maintenance it might need.

2. How Old Is the Current HVAC System?

It’s just as smart to learn how old the HVAC system is when you're looking at a potential new home. For the most part, HVAC systems last about 10-12 years. Knowing when it was installed helps you plan for possible repair needs or considerations if it might break down. Older systems are more prone to problems, so planning ahead of time for a replacement unit could be necessary sooner than you thought.

3. Does the System Have a Warranty?

Check if the HVAC system is covered by a warranty. If it is, you’ll appreciate how 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 ensure you understand your coverage and the likelihood of 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 demonstrate if the repair needs are high or how often maintenance is performed. You should at least try to track down a history of key tasks like filter changes, which is a positive sign indicating regularly scheduled tune-ups.

5. What Are the Energy Efficiency Ratings?

Purchasing a home with a heating and cooling system with high energy efficiency can lead to lower utility bills and less of an impact on the environment. Try and find the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) ratings for air conditioning along with the annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) for furnaces. Higher SEER ratings mean better cooling across the entire season, while higher AFUE ratings mean the fuel is more effectively burned for useable heat.

6. Can You Spot Trouble After Completing an Informal Inspection?

Even without the know-how of an HVAC technician, you should still examine the HVAC system yourself. Look for potential issues that haven't been mentioned by the seller. This might consist of odd sounds, unequal airflow and attempts at concealing any serious damage.

7. Have You Sought Out Expert Advice?

If you're unsure about the overall state of the HVAC system, it's wise to get an assessment and recommendation from trained HVAC professionals. They can spot things you might not, like leaking coolant, damage to the wiring or inefficient ductwork.

A Consultation with PS Cool Heat Helps Take the Stress Out of Your Home-Buying Journey

Choosing your first home ought to be exciting, and PS Cool Heat will do everything possible to ensure that doesn’t change. Get in touch with us at 720-613-2210. We can discuss how our HVAC services help make this process smoother, giving you what you need to step into your new home with confidence.