Buying your first home is thrilling. 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 potential new HVAC system is essential. The property’s HVAC system represents a significant investment and potential source of long-term costs, which is why due diligence should be a top priority for first-time homebuyers.
In this 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 pros, consider calling PS Cool Heat. Our experienced team can weigh in on your options with industry insights you won’t find elsewhere.
1. What HVAC System Are You Working With?
Start by identifying what kind of HVAC system the home has. Furnaces tend to last longer than air conditioners, and newer types of HVAC systems like heat pumps feature average life spans longer than ever. 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 new home. For the most part, HVAC systems last about 10-12 years. Knowing when it was installed helps you anticipate future maintenance needs or considerations if it might break down. Older systems may be more vulnerable to problems, so budgeting for a replacement unit might be needed faster than expected.
3. Is the Warranty Still in Effect?
Be sure to check the HVAC system is still under warranty. If it is, you’ll appreciate how it can assist with maintenance expenses. HVAC warranties should take care of parts and labor, but it’s important to note that details will vary. Review any terms you don’t recognize to make sure you fully understand your coverage and the likelihood of out-of-pocket costs.
4. Has the System Ever Been Professionally Serviced or Maintained?
Don’t forget to check the maintenance history of the HVAC system, if such information is available. 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 such as changing the air filter, which means it enjoyed more regularly scheduled tune-ups.
5. Are You Aware of the System’s Energy Efficiency Ratings?
Selecting a system with strong energy efficiency can lead to smaller utility bills and a smaller environmental impact. 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 high AFUE ratings indicate that the fuel is efficiently converted into useable heat.
6. Can You Spot Trouble After Completing an Informal Inspection?
Even if you don’t have the know-how of an HVAC technician, you can still take a moment to examine the HVAC system yourself. Keep an eye out for any concerning items that haven’t been mentioned by the seller. This can mean bizarre noises, stubborn patches of the house that are too hot or cold and attempts to cover up any obvious damage.
7. Have You Asked Your Local HVAC Professional?
If you’re not quite sure about the overall state of the HVAC system, it’s beneficial to get input from trained HVAC technicians. They can spot things you might miss, including leaks in the refrigerant, damage to the wiring or inefficient ductwork.
A Consultation with PS Cool Heat Simplifies Your Home-Buying Journey
Selecting your first home should be thrilling, and PS Cool Heat will do everything possible to ensure yours is too. 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 make an offer with confidence.