Buying your first home is thrilling. You’re likely trying to keep track of a dozen things or more to ensure you’re making the right choice. We believe that understanding your potential new HVAC system is essential. The property’s HVAC system represents a significant investment and source of potential long-term costs, so being thorough is important for 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 setup. And if you want a deeper opinion from the experts, feel free to call Anderson Heating & A/C. Our seasoned technicians can weigh in on your options with industry insights that are second to none.

1. What HVAC System Are You Working With?

Start by identifying what type of HVAC system the home features. Furnaces tend to last longer than air conditioners, and relatively new types of HVAC equipment like heat pumps boast average life spans longer than ever. Knowing the make and specific model gives you a clear idea of how much maintenance it will require.

2. How Long Ago Was the System Installed?

It also helps to learn how old the HVAC system is when you’re considering a potential new home. For the most part, HVAC systems tend to run for about 10-12 years. Knowing when it was installed 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 could be necessary sooner than you thought.

3. Is the Warranty Active?

Don’t forget to look into whether the HVAC system is still under warranty. If it is, that’s great news because it can lower maintenance expenses. HVAC warranties typically include parts and labor, but specifics will vary. Review any terms that seem confusing to ensure you 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 this kind of history is accessible. This service history can reveal if the system constantly broke down or how often maintenance is performed. You should at least try to track down a history of key tasks like filter changes, which means it enjoyed more regularly scheduled tune-ups.

5. What Are the Energy Efficiency Ratings?

Finding a home that features an HVAC system with high 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. Higher SEER ratings mean better cooling across the entire season, while high AFUE ratings indicate that the fuel is efficiently converted into useable heat.

6. Did You See Any Problems During Your Inspection?

Even without the know-how of an HVAC technician, you can still take a moment to inspect the HVAC system yourself. Look for potential issues 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 beneficial to get input from trained HVAC professionals. They will be much more likely to catch things you might miss, such as leaks in the refrigerant, bad electrical connections or inefficient ductwork.

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

Choosing your first home should be thrilling, and Anderson Heating & A/C can ensure that doesn’t change. Connect with us at 775-230-7628. We can go over the details about how our HVAC services ease your mind, giving you what you need to dive into home-ownership with confidence.