Completing the search for your first home is an exhilarating experience. You’re probably trying to keep track of numerous details to ensure you’re 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, which is why due diligence helps all first-time homebuyers.
In this guide, we’ll outline seven tips for learning everything you can about a home’s heating and cooling system. And if you want a more in-depth opinion from the pros, don’t hesitate to contact Northern Comfort Inc. Our seasoned technicians can help you compare your options with industry insights that are second to none.
1. Which Kind of HVAC System Does the Home Use?
Start by determining what kind of HVAC system the home includes. Furnaces generally last longer than air conditioners, and relatively new types of HVAC products like heat pumps can offer average life spans that are impressively long. Tracking down the make and specific model ensures you have a much better sense of how much routine maintenance it might need.
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. In general, HVAC systems tend to run for about 10-12 years. Having the knowledge of when it was installed helps you anticipate future maintenance needs or considerations if it might eventually stop working. Older systems are more prone to problems, so planning ahead of time for a replacement unit could be necessary sooner than you thought.
3. What Does the Warranty Cover?
Don’t forget to look into whether the HVAC system is covered by a warranty. If it is, you’ll appreciate how it can lighten the load for maintenance costs. HVAC warranties should take care of parts and labor, but the details in each policy will vary. Review any terms you don’t recognize to ensure you 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 that information is available. This kind of information can reveal if there have been regular problems 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. What Are the Energy Efficiency Ratings?
Selecting a system with strong energy efficiency can lead to smaller utility bills and a smaller environmental impact. 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 strong AFUE ratings indicate that the fuel is more effectively burned for useable heat.
6. Did You See Any Problems After Your Own Inspection?
Even if you don’t have experience in HVAC systems, you should still inspect the HVAC system on your own. Watch closely for any concerning items that haven’t been mentioned by the seller. This might consist of odd sounds, unequal airflow and attempts to cover up any obvious damage.
7. Have You Asked Your Local HVAC Professional?
If you’re still hesitant to make an offer because of the current state of the HVAC system, it’s wise to get an assessment and recommendation from experienced HVAC professionals. They will be much more likely to catch things you might miss, such as refrigerant leaks, bad electrical connections or inefficient ductwork.
A Chat with Northern Comfort Inc Simplifies Your Home-Buying Journey
Selecting your first home is meant to be a joyful event, and Northern Comfort Inc wants to ensure yours is too. Connect with us at 507-387-6596. We can go over the details about how our HVAC services ease your mind, giving you what you need to step into your new home with confidence.
