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 crucial. 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 the following guide, we’ll share 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 pros, don’t hesitate to contact Lanz Furnace and Fireplace. Our experienced team can weigh in on your options with industry insights you won’t find elsewhere.
1. What Type of HVAC System Is It?
Start by identifying what type of HVAC system the home includes. Furnaces generally last longer than air conditioners, and newer types of HVAC equipment like heat pumps boast average life spans longer than ever. Tracking down the make and specific model provides a clear understanding of how much routine maintenance it might need.
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 potential new home. For the most part, HVAC systems tend to run for about 10-12 years. Learning its approximate installation date helps you anticipate future maintenance needs or when it might break down. Older systems are more prone to problems, so planning ahead of time for a replacement unit could be necessary sooner than you thought.
3. Does the System Have a Warranty?
Don’t forget to look into whether the HVAC system is covered by a warranty. If it is, this can lighten the load for 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 any possible out-of-pocket costs.
4. Does the System Have a Documented Maintenance History?
Take a close look at the maintenance history of the HVAC system, if such information is available. This kind of information can demonstrate if the system constantly broke down or how much upkeep was provided. Ask about records for key tasks like filter changes, which can indicate it received regularly scheduled tune-ups.
5. What Are the Energy Efficiency Ratings?
Purchasing a home with a heating and cooling system with strong energy efficiency means more manageable 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 strong AFUE ratings illustrate that the fuel is efficiently converted into useable heat.
6. Did You See Any Problems After Your Own Inspection?
Even without heating and cooling expertise, you should still check out the HVAC system yourself. Look for signs of problems that haven’t been mentioned by the seller. This might consist of odd sounds, unequal airflow and attempts to cover up any visible 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 wise to get an assessment and recommendation from certified HVAC professionals. They are skilled at identifying things you might not, including refrigerant leaks, damage to the wiring or flawed 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 wants to ensure that doesn’t change. Connect with us at 608-291-3606. We can go over the details about how our HVAC services give you peace of mind, giving you what you need to dive into home-ownership with confidence.
