Buying your first home is thrilling. You’re likely juggling numerous details about making the right choice. We believe that gaining insight into your future HVAC system is vital. The property’s HVAC system represents a significant investment and potential source of long-term costs, illustrating why a detailed inspection is important 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 deeper opinion from the experts, feel free to call Retro HVAC Service & Installation. Our staff can share details about your options with industry insights that are second to none.
1. What Type of HVAC System Is It?
Start by identifying what type of HVAC system the home has. Furnaces generally last longer compared to air conditioners, and newer types of HVAC equipment like heat pumps can offer average life spans that are even longer. Knowing the make and specific model provides a clear idea of how much it might cost in upkeep over time.
2. How Old Is the Current HVAC System?
Another good idea is to find out how old the HVAC system is when you’re considering a new home. For the most part, HVAC systems last about 10-12 years. Learning its approximate installation date helps you plan for possible repair needs or when it might eventually stop working. Older systems may be more vulnerable to problems, so fiscal planning for a replacement unit could be necessary sooner than you thought.
3. Is the Warranty Still in Effect?
Don’t forget to look into whether the HVAC system is covered by a warranty. If it is, this can assist with maintenance costs. HVAC warranties should take care of parts and labor, but specifics will vary. Make sure you go over any terms you don’t recognize to make sure you fully understand your coverage and the likelihood of out-of-pocket costs.
4. Does the System Have a Documented Maintenance History?
Take a close look at the maintenance history of the HVAC system, if this kind of history is available. This kind of information can reveal 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 can indicate it received regularly scheduled tune-ups.
5. Do You Know Its Energy Efficiency Ratings?
Selecting a system with strong energy efficiency isn’t just smart; it leads to smaller utility bills and less of an impact on the environment. Locate the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) ratings for air conditioning and 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 efficiently converted into useable heat.
6. Can You Spot Trouble After Completing an Informal Inspection?
Even if you don’t have heating and cooling expertise, you can still take a moment to examine the HVAC system yourself. Look for signs of problems that weren’t mentioned by the seller or real estate agent. This can mean bizarre noises, spots with uneven heating or cooling and attempts to hide any obvious damage.
7. Is an Experienced HVAC Technician Available to Help?
If you’re still hesitant to make an offer because of the condition of the HVAC system, it’s never a bad idea to get input from experienced HVAC technicians. They are skilled at identifying things you might not, such as refrigerant leaks, damage to the wiring or damaged ductwork.
A Call with Retro HVAC Service & Installation Helps Take the Stress Out of Your Home-Buying Journey
Selecting your first home should be thrilling, and Retro HVAC Service & Installation can ensure that doesn’t change. Reach out with us at 267-277-3851. We can talk about how our HVAC services give you peace of mind, giving you what you need to dive into home-ownership with confidence.