Buying your first home is exciting. You’re probably juggling numerous details to ensure you’re making the right choice. We believe that understanding your future HVAC system is essential. The property’s HVAC system represents a significant investment and source of potential long-term costs, which is why due diligence helps all first-time homebuyers.
In the following 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 Farris Heating & Air. Our seasoned technicians can weigh in on your options with industry insights you won’t find elsewhere.
1. Which Kind of HVAC System Does the Home Use?
Start by identifying what specific HVAC system the home has. Furnaces tend to last longer than air conditioners, and some of the latest types of HVAC systems like heat pumps can offer average life spans that are impressively long. Getting the details on the make and specific model gives you a clear idea of how much maintenance it will require.
2. How Long Ago Was the System Installed?
It’s just as smart to learn how old the HVAC system is when you’re considering a potential new home. For the most part, HVAC systems last about 10-12 years. Knowing when it was installed helps you prepare for any needed servicing or considerations if it might break down. Older systems are at a higher risk of problems, so planning ahead of time for a replacement unit might be needed faster than expected.
3. What Does the Warranty Cover?
Be sure to check the HVAC system is covered by a warranty. If it is, this can help with maintenance expenses. HVAC warranties often cover parts and labor, but the details in each policy will vary. Make sure you go over 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 the records are available. This service history can reveal if there have been regular problems or how much upkeep was provided. Ask about records for 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 isn’t just smart; it leads to 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 high AFUE ratings indicate that the fuel is more effectively burned for useable heat.
6. Have You Noticed Signs of Problems After Completing an Informal Inspection?
Even without the know-how of an HVAC technician, you can still take a moment to examine the HVAC system yourself. Watch closely for signs of problems that weren’t mentioned by the seller or real estate agent. This might consist of odd sounds, spots with uneven heating or cooling and attempts to hide any visible damage.
7. Have You Asked Your Local HVAC Professional?
If you’re still hesitant to make an offer because of the current state of the HVAC system, it’s wise to get input from experienced HVAC professionals. They are skilled at identifying things you might not, such as leaks in the refrigerant, wiring issues or inefficient ductwork.
A Consultation with Farris Heating & Air Simplifies Your Home-Buying Journey
Selecting your first home ought to be exciting, and Farris Heating & Air can ensure it stays that way. Connect with us at 918-333-0376. We can go over the details about how our HVAC services ease your mind, giving you what you need to dive into home-ownership with confidence.