Purchasing your first home is an exhilarating experience. You’re probably juggling numerous details about making the right choice. We believe that understanding your potential new HVAC system is vital. The property’s HVAC system represents a significant investment and potential source of long-term costs, so being thorough is important for 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 experts, don’t hesitate to contact Northwest Services. Our experienced team can share details about your options with industry insights that are second to none.
1. What Type of HVAC System Is It?
Start by determining what specific HVAC system the home includes. Furnaces tend to last longer than air conditioners, and newer types of HVAC products like heat pumps boast average life spans that are impressively long. Getting the details on the make and specific model ensures you have a clear idea of how much maintenance it will require.
2. How Old Is the Current HVAC System?
It also helps to learn how old the HVAC system is when you’re considering a potential new home. In general, HVAC systems tend to run for about 10-12 years. Learning its approximate installation date helps you prepare for any needed servicing or considerations if it might shut down for good. Older systems may be more vulnerable to problems, so budgeting for a replacement unit could be necessary sooner than you thought.
3. Does the System Have a Warranty?
Don’t forget to look into whether the HVAC system is still under warranty. If it is, that’s great news because it can lighten the load for maintenance expenses. HVAC warranties typically include parts and labor, but specifics will vary. Make sure you go over any terms that seem confusing to ensure you understand your coverage and potential out-of-pocket costs.
4. Has the System Ever Been Professionally Serviced or Maintained?
Next, examine the maintenance history of the HVAC system, if this kind of history is accessible. This service history can reveal if the system constantly broke down or how much upkeep was provided. You should at least try to track down a history of key tasks like filter changes, which means it enjoyed more regularly scheduled tune-ups.
5. What Are the Energy Efficiency Ratings?
Finding a home that features an HVAC system with great energy efficiency means more manageable utility bills and a smaller environmental impact. Try and find 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 mean the fuel is more effectively burned for useable heat.
6. Can You Spot Trouble After Your Own Inspection?
Even if you don’t have heating and cooling expertise, it’s still a good idea to 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 serious 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 never a bad idea to get an assessment and recommendation from trained HVAC technicians. They will be much more likely to catch things you might not, such as refrigerant leaks, wiring issues or flawed ductwork.
A Consultation with Northwest Services Helps Take the Stress Out of Your Home-Buying Journey
Finding your first home ought to be exciting, and Northwest Services wants to ensure that doesn’t change. Get in touch with us at 419-548-5017. We can go over the details about how our HVAC services give you peace of mind, giving you what you need to step into your new home with confidence.