Completing the search for your first home is an exhilarating experience. You’re likely trying to keep track of numerous details to ensure you’re making the right choice. We believe that understanding your potential new HVAC system is crucial. The property’s HVAC system represents a significant investment and potential source of long-term costs, so being thorough should be a top priority for first-time homebuyers.
In this guide, we’ll outline 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 Northern Comfort Inc. Our staff can help you compare your options with industry insights you won’t find elsewhere.
1. Which Kind of HVAC System Does the Home Use?
Start by determining what specific HVAC system the home has. Furnaces generally last longer than air conditioners, and relatively new types of HVAC equipment like heat pumps feature average life spans longer than ever. Tracking down the make and specific model ensures you have a clear understanding of how much routine maintenance it might need.
2. What Is the Current System’s Age?
It also helps to learn how old the HVAC system is when you’re looking at a potential new home. For the most part, HVAC systems last about 10-12 years. Having the knowledge of when it was installed helps you anticipate future maintenance needs or when it might shut down for good. Older systems are more prone to problems, so budgeting for a replacement unit might be needed faster than expected.
3. Does the System Have a Warranty?
Be sure to check the HVAC system is covered by a warranty. If it is, you’ll appreciate how it can assist with maintenance expenses. HVAC warranties should take care of parts and labor, but specifics will vary. Make sure you go over any terms that aren’t familiar 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 that information is accessible. This service history can reveal if the repair needs are high or how often maintenance is performed. Inquire about key tasks like filter changes, which can indicate it received regularly scheduled tune-ups.
5. Do You Know Its Energy Efficiency Ratings?
Purchasing a home with a heating and cooling system with strong energy efficiency isn’t just smart; it leads to more manageable utility bills and less of an impact on the environment. Try and find the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) ratings for air conditioning along with the annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) for furnaces. Higher SEER ratings mean better cooling across the entire season, while higher AFUE ratings mean the fuel is more effectively burned for useable heat.
6. Have You Noticed Signs of Problems During Your Inspection?
Even without the know-how of an HVAC technician, it’s still a good idea to examine the HVAC system on your own. Keep an eye out for any concerning items that weren’t mentioned by the seller or real estate agent. This includes strange noises, stubborn patches of the house that are too hot or cold and attempts at concealing any obvious damage.
7. Is an Experienced HVAC Technician Available to Help?
If you’re still hesitant to make an offer because of the overall state of the HVAC system, it’s never a bad idea to get an assessment and recommendation from experienced HVAC technicians. They can spot things you may not know about, including leaks in the refrigerant, wiring issues or damaged ductwork.
A Consultation with Northern Comfort Inc Helps Take the Stress Out of Your Home-Buying Journey
Choosing your first home should be thrilling, and Northern Comfort Inc will do everything possible to ensure it stays that way. Get in touch with us at 507-387-6596. We can go over the details about how our HVAC services help make this process smoother, giving you what you need to dive into home-ownership with confidence.
