Buying 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 future HVAC system is vital. The property’s HVAC system represents a significant investment and source of potential long-term costs, illustrating why a detailed inspection is important for first-time homebuyers.

In the following guide, we’ll share seven tips for learning everything you can about a home’s heating and cooling system. And if you want a deeper opinion from the experts, consider calling Lanz Furnace and Fireplace. Our staff can help you compare your options with industry insights that are second to none.

1. What HVAC System Are You Working With?

Start by clarifying what specific HVAC system the home includes. Furnaces generally last longer than air conditioners, and relatively new types of HVAC equipment like heat pumps can offer average life spans longer than ever. Knowing the make and specific model ensures you have a clear understanding of how much maintenance it will require.

2. How Long Ago Was the System Installed?

Another good idea is to find out how old the HVAC system is when you’re looking at a new home. On average, HVAC systems should survive for around 10-12 years. Knowing when it was installed helps you anticipate future maintenance needs or considerations if it might eventually stop working. Older systems are at a higher risk of problems, so planning ahead of time for a replacement unit might be needed faster than expected.

3. What Does the Warranty Cover?

Be sure to check the HVAC system is still under warranty. If it is, that’s great news because it can help with maintenance costs. HVAC warranties often cover parts and labor, but it’s important to note that details will vary. Don’t forget to look into any terms you don’t recognize to make sure you fully understand your coverage and potential out-of-pocket costs.

4. When Was the Last Time It Received Maintenance?

Don’t forget to check the maintenance history of the HVAC system, if this kind of history is accessible. This service history 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 such as changing the air filter, which is a positive sign indicating regularly scheduled tune-ups.

5. Are You Aware of the System’s Energy Efficiency Ratings?

Finding a home that features an HVAC system with high energy efficiency can lead to smaller utility bills and less of an impact on the environment. Try and find 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 higher AFUE ratings illustrate that the fuel is efficiently converted into useable heat.

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

Even if you don’t have experience in HVAC systems, you should still examine the HVAC system yourself. Watch closely for potential issues that might have been overlooked. This might consist of odd sounds, 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 not quite sure about the condition of the HVAC system, it’s wise to get a professional opinion from certified HVAC technicians. They are skilled at identifying things you may not know about, like leaks in the refrigerant, damage to the wiring or inefficient ductwork.

A Call with Lanz Furnace and Fireplace Helps Take the Stress Out of Your Home-Buying Journey

Choosing your first home is meant to be a joyful event, and Lanz Furnace and Fireplace will do everything possible to ensure yours is too. Get in touch with us at 608-291-3606. We can go over the details about how our HVAC services help make this process smoother, giving you what you need to make an offer with confidence.