Purchasing your first home is an exhilarating experience. You’re likely juggling numerous details to ensure you’re making the right choice. We believe that understanding your future HVAC system is vital. The property’s HVAC system represents a significant investment and source of potential long-term costs, which is why due diligence should be a top priority for first-time homebuyers.

In this 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, consider calling Comfort Zone, LLC. Our staff can weigh in on your options with industry insights you won’t find elsewhere.

1. What Type of HVAC System Is It?

Start by determining what specific HVAC system the home features. Furnaces generally last longer than air conditioners, and newer types of HVAC equipment like heat pumps feature average life spans longer than ever. Tracking down the make and specific model ensures you have a much better sense of how much routine maintenance it might need.

2. How Long Ago Was the System Installed?

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 last about 10-12 years. Having the knowledge of when it was installed helps you prepare for any needed servicing or considerations if it might eventually stop working. Older systems are at a higher risk of problems, so budgeting for a replacement unit might be needed faster than expected.

3. Is the Warranty Still in Effect?

Be sure to check the HVAC system is still under warranty. If it is, that’s great news because it can lighten the load for maintenance costs. HVAC warranties should take care of parts and labor, but specifics will vary. Review any terms that seem confusing to ensure you understand your coverage and potential 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 available. This kind of information can reveal if there have been regular problems or how often a tune-up was scheduled. Ask about records for key tasks like filter changes, which is a positive sign indicating regularly scheduled tune-ups.

5. What Are the Energy Efficiency Ratings?

Purchasing a home with a heating and cooling system with strong energy efficiency isn’t just smart; it leads to more manageable utility bills and a smaller environmental impact. Check out the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) ratings for air conditioning as well as the annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) for furnaces. High SEER ratings mean more efficient cooling throughout the season, while higher AFUE ratings mean the fuel is efficiently converted into useable heat.

6. Have You Noticed Signs of Problems After Completing an Informal Inspection?

Even without experience in HVAC systems, you should still inspect the HVAC system yourself. Keep an eye out for any concerning items that weren’t mentioned by the seller or real estate agent. This can mean bizarre noises, spots with uneven heating or cooling and attempts to hide any obvious damage.

7. Have You Asked Your Local HVAC Professional?

If you’re unsure about the condition of the HVAC system, it’s wise to get input from trained HVAC technicians. They are skilled at identifying things you might miss, including leaks in the refrigerant, bad electrical connections or damaged ductwork.

A Call with Comfort Zone, LLC Helps Take the Stress Out of Your Home-Buying Journey

Selecting your first home is meant to be a joyful event, and Comfort Zone, LLC will do everything possible to ensure yours is too. Connect with us at 239-214-0411. We can go over the details about how our HVAC services help make this process smoother, giving you what you need to make an offer with confidence.