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 essential. The property’s HVAC system represents a significant investment and source of potential long-term costs, so being thorough helps all first-time homebuyers.
In this guide, we’ll outline seven tips for discovering all there is to know about a home’s heating and cooling system. And if you want a deeper opinion from the experts, consider calling Forster Heating. 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 clarifying what kind of HVAC system the home features. Furnaces generally last longer than air conditioners, and some of the latest types of HVAC equipment like heat pumps feature average life spans that are even longer. Getting the details on the make and specific model ensures you have a much better sense of how much it might cost in upkeep over time.
2. What Is the Current System’s Age?
Another good idea is to find out how old the HVAC system is when you’re looking at a potential new home. For the most part, 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 shut down for good. Older systems are more prone to problems, so budgeting for a replacement unit could be necessary sooner than you thought.
3. Is the Warranty Still in Effect?
Don’t forget to look into whether the HVAC system is still under warranty. If it is, this can help with maintenance expenses. 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 make sure you fully understand your coverage and any possible out-of-pocket costs.
4. Has the System Ever Been Professionally Serviced or Maintained?
Next, examine the maintenance history of the HVAC system, if this kind of history is available. This kind of information can reveal if the repair needs are high or how much upkeep was provided. Inquire about key tasks like filter changes, which is a positive sign indicating 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. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the cooling over the whole season, while high AFUE ratings illustrate that the fuel is efficiently converted into useable heat.
6. Did You See Any Problems After Your Own Inspection?
Even if you don’t have the know-how of an HVAC technician, it’s still a good idea to inspect the HVAC system yourself. Watch closely for any concerning items that weren’t mentioned by the seller or real estate agent. This can mean bizarre noises, spots with uneven heating or cooling and attempts to cover up any visible damage.
7. Have You Asked Your Local HVAC Professional?
If you’re unsure about the current 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 leaking coolant, damage to the wiring or inefficient ductwork.
A Call with Forster Heating Helps Take the Stress Out of Your Home-Buying Journey
Choosing your first home should be thrilling, and Forster Heating wants to ensure that doesn’t change. Get in touch with us at 530-885-8081. We can discuss how our HVAC services help make this process smoother, giving you what you need to dive into home-ownership with confidence.
