Purchasing your first home is exciting. You’re likely trying to keep track of numerous details about making the right choice. We believe that understanding your future HVAC system is vital. The property’s HVAC system represents a significant investment and source of potential long-term costs, which is why due diligence should be a top priority 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 deeper opinion from the experts, don’t hesitate to contact Forster Heating. Our staff 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 kind of HVAC system the home has. Furnaces tend to 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 understanding of how much it might cost in upkeep over time.

2. How Long Ago Was the System Installed?

It also helps to learn how old the HVAC system is when you’re looking at a new home. In general, HVAC systems should survive for around 10-12 years. Having the knowledge of when it was installed helps you prepare for any needed servicing or considerations if it might shut down for good. Older systems are more prone to problems, so fiscal planning for a replacement unit could be necessary sooner than you thought.

3. What Does the Warranty Cover?

Check if the HVAC system is still under warranty. If it is, you’ll appreciate how it can assist with maintenance expenses. HVAC warranties typically include parts and labor, but the details in each policy will vary. Make sure you go over any terms you don’t recognize to make sure you fully understand your coverage and the likelihood of out-of-pocket costs.

4. Does the System Have a Documented Maintenance History?

Next, examine the maintenance history of the HVAC system, if the records are accessible. This kind of information can reveal if there have been regular problems or how often a tune-up was scheduled. 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 high energy efficiency can lead to more manageable utility bills and a smaller environmental impact. Look for 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 strong AFUE ratings illustrate that the fuel is efficiently converted into useable heat.

6. Have You Noticed Signs of Problems During Your Inspection?

Even without heating and cooling expertise, it’s still a good idea to inspect the HVAC system yourself. Keep an eye out for any concerning items that weren’t mentioned by the seller or real estate agent. This can mean bizarre noises, unequal airflow and attempts to cover up any visible damage.

7. Have You Asked Your Local HVAC Professional?

If you’re unsure about the overall state of the HVAC system, it’s never a bad idea to get an assessment and recommendation from trained HVAC professionals. They are skilled at identifying things you may not know about, like leaks in the refrigerant, damage to the wiring or damaged ductwork.

A Chat with Forster Heating Simplifies Your Home-Buying Journey

Choosing your first home should be thrilling, and Forster Heating will do everything possible to ensure it stays that way. Get in touch with us at 530-885-8081. We can discuss how our HVAC services ease your mind, giving you what you need to dive into home-ownership with confidence.