Purchasing your first home is exciting. 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 vital. The property’s HVAC system represents a significant investment and potential source of 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 more in-depth opinion from the experts, feel free to call Classic Air. Our experienced team can share details about your options with industry insights that are second to none.

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

Start by determining what type of HVAC system the home has. Furnaces generally last longer compared to air conditioners, and relatively new types of HVAC systems like heat pumps boast average life spans that are impressively long. Knowing the make and specific model ensures you have 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 potential new home. In general, HVAC systems last about 10-12 years. Learning its approximate installation date helps you plan for possible repair needs or considerations if it might eventually stop working. Older systems are at a higher risk of problems, so planning ahead of time for a replacement unit might be needed faster than expected.

3. What Does the Warranty Cover?

Don’t forget to look into whether the HVAC system is covered by a warranty. If it is, this can assist with maintenance expenses. HVAC warranties typically include parts and labor, but specifics will vary. Review any terms you don’t recognize to make sure you fully understand your coverage and potential out-of-pocket costs.

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

Next, examine the maintenance history of the HVAC system, if such information is available. This kind of information can demonstrate if there have been regular problems 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. Are You Aware of the System’s Energy Efficiency Ratings?

Finding a home that features an HVAC system with great energy efficiency can lead to smaller utility bills and a smaller environmental impact. 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 higher AFUE ratings illustrate that the fuel is more effectively burned for useable heat.

6. Have You Noticed Signs of Problems During Your Inspection?

Even without the know-how of an HVAC technician, you can still take a moment to check out the HVAC system on your own. Keep an eye out for potential issues that haven’t been mentioned by the seller. This can mean bizarre noises, unequal airflow and attempts at concealing any serious 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 a professional opinion from trained HVAC technicians. They will be much more likely to catch things you may not know about, such as leaking coolant, wiring issues or damaged ductwork.

A Consultation with Classic Air Simplifies Your Home-Buying Journey

Choosing your first home is meant to be a joyful event, and Classic Air will do everything possible to ensure it stays that way. Connect with us at 614-210-3041. We can talk about how our HVAC services help make this process smoother, giving you what you need to make an offer with confidence.