Purchasing your first home is an exhilarating experience. 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 essential. 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 setup. And if you want a more in-depth opinion from the experts, don’t hesitate to contact Just Right Heating and Cooling. Our staff can share details about 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 includes. Furnaces tend to last longer than air conditioners, and newer types of HVAC products like heat pumps boast average life spans longer than ever. Getting the details on the make and specific model gives you a much better sense of how much maintenance it will require.

2. What Is the Current System’s Age?

It also helps to learn how old the HVAC system is when you’re looking at a potential new home. For the most part, HVAC systems should survive for around 10-12 years. Learning its approximate installation date helps you anticipate future maintenance needs or considerations if it might shut down for good. Older systems are more prone to problems, so budgeting for a replacement unit could be necessary sooner than you thought.

3. Is the Warranty Active?

Be sure to check the HVAC system is still under warranty. If it is, you’ll appreciate how it can lower maintenance costs. HVAC warranties should take care of parts and labor, but it’s important to note that details will vary. Review any terms you don’t recognize to ensure you understand your coverage and the likelihood of out-of-pocket costs.

4. Has the System Ever Been Professionally Serviced or Maintained?

Next, examine the maintenance history of the HVAC system, if the records are accessible. This kind of information can demonstrate if the repair needs are high or how often maintenance is performed. You should at least try to track down a history of key tasks like filter changes, which is a positive sign indicating regularly scheduled tune-ups.

5. Do You Know Its Energy Efficiency Ratings?

Finding a home that features an HVAC system with great 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 along with the annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) for furnaces. High SEER ratings mean more efficient cooling throughout the season, while high AFUE ratings illustrate that the fuel is more effectively burned for useable heat.

6. Can You Spot Trouble After Completing an Informal Inspection?

Even without the know-how of an HVAC technician, you can still take a moment to inspect the HVAC system yourself. Look for signs of problems that weren’t mentioned by the seller or real estate agent. This can mean bizarre noises, stubborn patches of the house that are too hot or cold and attempts to cover up any obvious damage.

7. Have You Asked Your Local HVAC Professional?

If you’re still hesitant to make an offer because of the overall state of the HVAC system, it’s beneficial to get an assessment and recommendation from trained HVAC technicians. They will be much more likely to catch things you might not, such as refrigerant leaks, damage to the wiring or damaged ductwork.

A Consultation with Just Right Heating and Cooling Simplifies Your Home-Buying Journey

Selecting your first home is meant to be a joyful event, and Just Right Heating and Cooling can ensure yours is too. Reach out with us at 513-392-4969. We can talk about how our HVAC services ease your mind, giving you what you need to step into your new home with confidence.