Purchasing your first home is thrilling. You’re likely juggling a dozen things or more about 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 potential source of long-term costs, illustrating why a detailed inspection is important for first-time homebuyers.

In this guide, we’ll share 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 pros, don’t hesitate to contact Anderson Heating & A/C. Our staff can share details about your options with industry insights you won’t find elsewhere.

1. Which Kind of HVAC System Does the Home Use?

Start by determining what type of HVAC system the home includes. Furnaces tend to last longer compared to air conditioners, and newer types of HVAC systems like heat pumps can offer average life spans that are impressively long. Getting the details on the make and specific model provides a much better sense of how much it might cost in upkeep over time.

2. How Long Ago Was the System Installed?

Another good idea is to find out how old the HVAC system is when you’re considering a potential new home. In general, 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 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 Active?

Check if the HVAC system is covered by a warranty. If it is, this can help with maintenance expenses. HVAC warranties typically include 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 any possible out-of-pocket costs.

4. Does the System Have a Documented Maintenance History?

Next, examine the maintenance history of the HVAC system, if that 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 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?

Purchasing a home with a heating and cooling system with strong energy efficiency can lead to more manageable utility bills and a smaller environmental impact. Try and find the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) ratings for air conditioning and the annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) for furnaces. Higher SEER ratings mean better cooling across the entire season, while strong AFUE ratings illustrate that the fuel is more effectively burned for useable heat.

6. Can You Spot Trouble During Your Inspection?

Even if you don’t have the know-how of an HVAC technician, you can still take a moment to examine the HVAC system yourself. Keep an eye out for signs of problems that might have been overlooked. This might consist of odd sounds, spots with uneven heating or cooling and attempts to hide any visible damage.

7. Have You Asked Your Local HVAC Professional?

If you’re not quite sure about the overall state of the HVAC system, it’s never a bad idea to get an assessment and recommendation from certified HVAC professionals. They can spot things you might miss, such as refrigerant leaks, wiring issues or inefficient ductwork.

A Consultation with Anderson Heating & A/C Simplifies Your Home-Buying Journey

Finding your first home should be thrilling, and Anderson Heating & A/C wants to ensure that doesn’t change. Get in touch with us at 775-854-9700. We can discuss how our HVAC services ease your mind, giving you what you need to dive into home-ownership with confidence.