Purchasing your first home is thrilling. You’re likely juggling a dozen things or more 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 substantial investment and source of potential long-term costs, which is why due diligence helps all first-time homebuyers.

In this guide, we’ll share seven tips for learning everything you can about a home’s heating and cooling system. And if you want a more in-depth opinion from the experts, feel free to call 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning. 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 specific HVAC system the home features. Furnaces tend to last longer than air conditioners, and newer types of HVAC products like heat pumps can offer average life spans longer than ever. Knowing the make and specific model gives you a much better sense of how much it might cost in upkeep over time.

2. How Old Is the Current HVAC System?

Another good idea is to find out 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. Knowing when it was installed helps you prepare for any needed servicing or when it might break down. Older systems are more prone to problems, so planning ahead of time 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 covered by a warranty. If it is, that’s great news because it can lower maintenance costs. HVAC warranties typically include parts and labor, but specifics will vary. Review any terms that seem confusing to ensure you understand your coverage and the likelihood of 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 accessible. This service history can reveal 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 such as changing the air filter, which can indicate it received regularly scheduled tune-ups.

5. Are You Aware of the System’s Energy Efficiency Ratings?

Selecting a system with high energy efficiency means lower utility bills and a smaller environmental impact. Look for 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 indicate that the fuel is more effectively burned for useable heat.

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

Even if you don’t have experience in HVAC systems, it’s still a good idea to inspect the HVAC system yourself. Keep an eye out for signs of problems that haven’t been mentioned by the seller. This includes strange noises, spots with uneven heating or cooling and attempts to hide any serious damage.

7. Have You Sought Out Expert Advice?

If you’re unsure about the overall state of the HVAC system, it’s wise to get a professional opinion from trained HVAC professionals. They will be much more likely to catch things you may not know about, such as leaking coolant, wiring issues or inefficient ductwork.

A Chat with 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning Simplifies Your Home-Buying Journey

Finding your first home ought to be exciting, and 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning wants to ensure that doesn’t change. Connect with us at 949-204-0859. We can discuss how our HVAC services help make this process smoother, giving you what you need to dive into home-ownership with confidence.