Purchasing your first home is thrilling. You’re likely trying to keep track of a dozen things or more about making the right choice. We believe that gaining insight into your future HVAC system is essential. The property’s HVAC system represents a substantial investment and source of potential long-term costs, which is why due diligence 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 setup. And if you want a more in-depth opinion from the pros, feel free to call Olde Towne Heating & Air. Our experienced team can help you compare your options with industry insights you won’t find elsewhere.

1. What HVAC System Are You Working With?

Start by identifying what specific HVAC system the home includes. Furnaces generally last longer compared to air conditioners, and relatively new types of HVAC equipment like heat pumps boast average life spans longer than ever. Tracking down the make and specific model gives you a clear idea 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 potential new home. On average, HVAC systems should survive for around 10-12 years. Knowing when it was installed helps you plan for possible repair needs or when it might break down. Older systems may be more vulnerable to 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, that’s great news because it can assist with maintenance costs. HVAC warranties typically include parts and labor, but specifics will vary. Review any terms you don’t recognize to ensure you understand your coverage and any possible out-of-pocket costs.

4. Has the System Ever Been Professionally Serviced or Maintained?

Take a close look at 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. 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 can lead to smaller utility bills and less of an impact on the environment. Locate the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) ratings for air conditioning as well as the annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) for furnaces. Higher SEER ratings mean better cooling across the entire season, while high AFUE ratings indicate that the fuel is efficiently converted into useable heat.

6. Have You Noticed Signs of Problems 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. Watch closely for potential issues that weren’t mentioned by the seller or real estate agent. This includes strange noises, 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 condition of the HVAC system, it’s beneficial to get input from trained HVAC professionals. They are skilled at identifying things you might not, such as leaking coolant, bad electrical connections or flawed ductwork.

A Call with Olde Towne Heating & Air Simplifies Your Home-Buying Journey

Finding your first home ought to be exciting, and Olde Towne Heating & Air wants to ensure yours is too. Get in touch with us at 843-485-0967. We can talk about how our HVAC services ease your mind, giving you what you need to dive into home-ownership with confidence.