Completing the search for your first home is an exhilarating experience. You’re likely juggling numerous details to ensure you’re making the right choice. We believe that understanding your potential new 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 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 more in-depth opinion from the pros, consider calling Enertek Air Conditioning & Heating. Our seasoned technicians can help you compare your options with industry insights that are second to none.
1. What Type of HVAC System Is It?
Start by clarifying what kind of HVAC system the home has. Furnaces generally last longer compared to air conditioners, and newer types of HVAC systems like heat pumps boast average life spans longer than ever. Knowing the make and specific model provides a much better sense of how much maintenance it will require.
2. How Long Ago Was the System Installed?
It’s just as smart to learn how old the HVAC system is when you're looking at a 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 at a higher risk of problems, so planning ahead of time for a replacement unit could be necessary sooner than you thought.
3. Is the Warranty Still in Effect?
Be sure to check the HVAC system is covered by a warranty. If it is, that's great news because it can lower maintenance costs. HVAC warranties often cover parts and labor, but the details in each policy will vary. Don’t forget to look into any terms you don’t recognize to ensure you understand your coverage and potential out-of-pocket costs.
4. Has the System Ever Been Professionally Serviced or Maintained?
Take a close look at the maintenance history of the HVAC system, if the records are accessible. This service history can reveal if the repair needs are high or how often a tune-up was scheduled. Inquire about 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 along with 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 more effectively burned for useable heat.
6. Have You Noticed Signs of Problems After Your Own Inspection?
Even without the know-how of an HVAC technician, it's still a good idea to examine the HVAC system yourself. Look 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 still hesitant to make an offer because of the current state of the HVAC system, it's never a bad idea to get a professional opinion from trained HVAC professionals. They are skilled at identifying things you might not, such as leaks in the refrigerant, wiring issues or inefficient ductwork.
A Consultation with Enertek Air Conditioning & Heating Helps Take the Stress Out of Your Home-Buying Journey
Choosing your first home is meant to be a joyful event, and Enertek Air Conditioning & Heating can ensure it stays that way. Reach out with us at (818) 727-9993. We can discuss how our HVAC services help make this process smoother, giving you what you need to make an offer with confidence.
