Buying your first home is thrilling. You’re probably juggling a dozen things or more to ensure you’re making the right choice. We believe that understanding your future HVAC system is crucial. The property’s HVAC system represents a substantial investment and source of potential long-term costs, illustrating why a detailed inspection helps all first-time homebuyers.
In the following guide, we’ll share seven tips for learning everything you can about a home’s heating and cooling setup. And if you want a deeper opinion from the experts, don't hesitate to contact Western Mechanical, Inc.. Our staff can share details about your options with industry insights you won’t find elsewhere.
1. What HVAC System Are You Working With?
Start by determining what specific HVAC system the home features. Furnaces tend to last longer compared to air conditioners, and newer types of HVAC products like heat pumps can offer average life spans that are even longer. Knowing the make and specific model ensures you have a much better sense of how much routine maintenance it might need.
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. On average, HVAC systems tend to run for about 10-12 years. Knowing when it was installed helps you plan for possible repair needs or when it might shut down for good. Older systems may be more vulnerable to problems, so fiscal planning for a replacement unit might be needed faster than expected.
3. What Does the Warranty Cover?
Don’t forget to look into whether the HVAC system is covered by a warranty. If it is, that's great news because it can lighten the load for maintenance costs. HVAC warranties typically include parts and labor, but it's important to note that details will vary. Don’t forget to look into any terms that aren’t familiar to make sure you fully understand your coverage and potential 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 this kind of history is accessible. This kind of information can demonstrate if there have been regular problems or how much upkeep was provided. Inquire about key tasks like filter changes, which means it enjoyed more regularly scheduled tune-ups.
5. Are You Aware of the System’s Energy Efficiency Ratings?
Purchasing a home with a heating and cooling system with strong energy efficiency can lead to smaller utility bills and less of an impact on the environment. Check out the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) ratings for air conditioning along with the annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) for furnaces. High SEER ratings mean more efficient cooling throughout the season, while high AFUE ratings mean the fuel is efficiently converted into useable heat.
6. Can You Spot Trouble During Your Inspection?
Even if you don’t have experience in HVAC systems, you can still take a moment to check out the HVAC system yourself. Watch closely for any concerning items 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 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 never a bad idea to get an assessment and recommendation from certified HVAC professionals. They can spot things you might miss, including leaks in the refrigerant, damage to the wiring or damaged ductwork.
A Call with Western Mechanical, Inc. Simplifies Your Home-Buying Journey
Finding your first home should be thrilling, and Western Mechanical, Inc. will do everything possible to ensure that doesn’t change. Connect with us at 435-753-5515. We can discuss how our HVAC services help make this process smoother, giving you what you need to make an offer with confidence.