Buying your first home is thrilling. You’re probably juggling numerous details to ensure you’re 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 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 deeper opinion from the pros, feel free to call Lanz Furnace and Fireplace. Our staff can help you compare your options with industry insights you won’t find elsewhere.
1. What HVAC System Are You Working With?
Start by identifying what specific HVAC system the home has. Furnaces generally last longer than air conditioners, and some of the latest types of HVAC products like heat pumps feature average life spans that are impressively long. Getting the details on the make and specific model ensures you have a clear understanding 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. Learning its approximate installation date helps you plan for possible repair needs or considerations if it might eventually stop working. Older systems are more prone to problems, so budgeting for a replacement unit might be needed faster than expected.
3. Is the Warranty Still in Effect?
Check if the HVAC system is still under warranty. If it is, that’s great news because it can lower maintenance costs. HVAC warranties should take care of parts and labor, but the details in each policy will vary. Don’t forget to look into any terms that seem confusing 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 such information is accessible. This kind of information can reveal if there have been regular problems or how often a tune-up was scheduled. Ask about records for key tasks such as changing the air filter, which is a positive sign indicating regularly scheduled tune-ups.
5. What Are the Energy Efficiency Ratings?
Purchasing a home with a heating and cooling system with strong energy efficiency can lead to lower 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. Higher SEER ratings mean better cooling across the entire season, while higher AFUE ratings mean 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, you can still take a moment to examine the HVAC system yourself. Keep an eye out for any concerning items that weren’t mentioned by the seller or real estate agent. This might consist of odd sounds, stubborn patches of the house that are too hot or cold and attempts at concealing any serious damage.
7. Is an Experienced HVAC Technician Available to Help?
If you’re still hesitant to make an offer because of the condition of the HVAC system, it’s never a bad idea to get a professional opinion from trained HVAC professionals. They will be much more likely to catch things you may not know about, including refrigerant leaks, wiring issues or damaged ductwork.
A Call with Lanz Furnace and Fireplace Simplifies Your Home-Buying Journey
Selecting your first home ought to be exciting, and Lanz Furnace and Fireplace can ensure it stays that way. Get in touch with us at 608-291-3606. We can discuss how our HVAC services help make this process smoother, giving you what you need to make an offer with confidence.
