Completing the search for your first home is thrilling. You’re probably juggling a dozen things or more to ensure you’re making the right choice. We believe that understanding your future HVAC system is crucial. The property’s HVAC system represents a substantial investment and source of potential long-term costs, illustrating why a detailed inspection is important for first-time homebuyers.

In this guide, we’ll share 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 pros, consider calling Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating. Our staff can help you compare your options with industry insights you won’t find elsewhere.

1. What Type of HVAC System Is It?

Start by determining what type of HVAC system the home features. Furnaces tend to last longer compared to air conditioners, and some of the latest types of HVAC equipment like heat pumps feature average life spans that are even longer. Getting the details on the make and specific model ensures you have a clear understanding of how much maintenance it will require.

2. What Is the Current System’s Age?

It’s just as smart to learn how old the HVAC system is when you’re considering a potential new home. In general, HVAC systems last about 10-12 years. Learning its approximate installation date helps you anticipate future maintenance needs or when it might break down. Older systems may be more vulnerable to problems, so fiscal planning for a replacement unit could be necessary sooner than you thought.

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 lower maintenance costs. HVAC warranties often cover parts and labor, but specifics will vary. Make sure you go over any terms that seem confusing to make sure you fully understand your coverage and potential out-of-pocket costs.

4. When Was the Last Time It Received Maintenance?

Don’t forget to check the maintenance history of the HVAC system, if that information is available. This kind of information can demonstrate if there have been regular problems or how often maintenance is performed. Ask about records for 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 can lead to smaller 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 high AFUE ratings mean the fuel is more effectively burned for useable heat.

6. Can You Spot Trouble During Your Inspection?

Even without heating and cooling expertise, you should still check out the HVAC system on your own. Keep an eye out for any concerning items that haven’t been mentioned by the seller. This can mean bizarre noises, spots with uneven heating or cooling and attempts to cover up any obvious damage.

7. Have You Sought Out Expert Advice?

If you’re unsure about the overall state of the HVAC system, it’s never a bad idea to get an assessment and recommendation from trained HVAC professionals. They are skilled at identifying things you might not, such as leaking coolant, wiring issues or damaged ductwork.

A Consultation with Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating Simplifies Your Home-Buying Journey

Selecting your first home is meant to be a joyful event, and Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating will do everything possible to ensure that doesn’t change. Reach out with us at 641-628-3621. We can talk about how our HVAC services help make this process smoother, giving you what you need to make an offer with confidence.