Purchasing 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 potential new HVAC system is crucial. The property’s HVAC system represents a substantial 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 learning everything you can about a home’s heating and cooling setup. And if you want a deeper opinion from the pros, feel free to call Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating. Our seasoned technicians can help you compare your options with industry insights that are second to none.

1. What HVAC System Are You Working With?

Start by clarifying what kind of HVAC system the home features. Furnaces tend to last longer compared to air conditioners, and some of the latest types of HVAC products like heat pumps boast average life spans that are impressively long. Knowing the make and specific model gives you a clear understanding of how much it might cost in upkeep over time.

2. What Is the Current System’s Age?

It also helps to learn how old the HVAC system is when you’re looking at a new home. On average, HVAC systems should survive for around 10-12 years. Learning its approximate installation date helps you plan for possible repair needs or considerations if it might shut down for good. 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 still under warranty. If it is, that’s great news because it can lower maintenance costs. HVAC warranties should take care of parts and labor, but it’s important to note that details will vary. Don’t forget to look into any terms that seem confusing to make sure you fully understand your coverage and the likelihood of out-of-pocket costs.

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

Take a close look at 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. 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. Do You Know Its Energy Efficiency Ratings?

Selecting a system with strong energy efficiency can lead to lower utility bills and less of an impact on the environment. Look for 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 strong AFUE ratings mean 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, you should still examine the HVAC system yourself. Keep an eye out for potential issues that weren’t mentioned by the seller or real estate agent. This includes strange noises, spots with uneven heating or cooling and attempts to cover up any visible damage.

7. Is an Experienced HVAC Technician Available to Help?

If you’re still hesitant to make an offer because of the current state of the HVAC system, it’s never a bad idea to get input from trained HVAC professionals. They are skilled at identifying things you might miss, like refrigerant leaks, wiring issues or flawed ductwork.

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

Choosing 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. Get in touch with us at 641-628-3621. We can discuss how our HVAC services help make this process smoother, giving you what you need to make an offer with confidence.