Purchasing your first home is thrilling. You’re probably trying to keep track of a dozen things or more to ensure you’re making the right choice. We believe that gaining insight into your potential new HVAC system is essential. 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 this guide, we’ll share seven tips for discovering all there is to know about a home’s heating and cooling setup. And if you want a deeper opinion from the pros, don’t hesitate to contact Fletcher Plumbing, Heating & AC. Our experienced team can share details about your options with industry insights that are second to none.
1. What HVAC System Are You Working With?
Start by determining what specific HVAC system the home features. Furnaces generally last longer compared to air conditioners, and some of the latest types of HVAC products like heat pumps boast average life spans longer than ever. Getting the details on the make and specific model provides a much better sense 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 considering a potential new home. In general, HVAC systems should survive for around 10-12 years. Learning its approximate installation date helps you prepare for any needed servicing or when it might eventually stop working. Older systems are more prone to problems, so fiscal planning for a replacement unit could be necessary sooner than you thought.
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 help with maintenance costs. HVAC warranties should take care of parts and labor, but the details in each policy will vary. Make sure you go over any terms that aren’t familiar to make sure you fully understand your coverage and the likelihood of 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 accessible. This service history can demonstrate if the repair needs are high 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. Do You Know Its Energy Efficiency Ratings?
Selecting a system with great energy efficiency means lower utility bills and less of an impact on the environment. Try and find the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) ratings for air conditioning and the annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) for furnaces. Higher SEER ratings mean better cooling across the entire season, while strong AFUE ratings indicate 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 heating and cooling expertise, it’s still a good idea to check out the HVAC system yourself. Keep an eye out for any concerning items that weren’t mentioned by the seller or real estate agent. This includes strange noises, unequal airflow and attempts to cover up any obvious damage.
7. Have You Sought Out Expert Advice?
If you’re still hesitant to make an offer because of the condition of the HVAC system, it’s wise to get an assessment and recommendation from experienced HVAC technicians. They can spot things you might not, including refrigerant leaks, wiring issues or damaged ductwork.
A Consultation with Fletcher Plumbing, Heating & AC Simplifies Your Home-Buying Journey
Choosing your first home is meant to be a joyful event, and Fletcher Plumbing, Heating & AC wants to ensure yours is too. Connect with us at 302-653-0503. We can go over the details about how our HVAC services ease your mind, giving you what you need to dive into home-ownership with confidence.