Buying your first home is an exhilarating experience. You’re probably trying to keep track of a dozen things or more about making the right choice. We believe that gaining insight into your future HVAC system is essential. The property’s HVAC system represents a significant investment and source of potential long-term costs, so being thorough should be a top priority for first-time homebuyers.
In the following guide, we’ll outline seven tips for discovering all there is to know about a home’s heating and cooling system. And if you want a deeper opinion from the pros, don’t hesitate to contact Korando Heating & Cooling, Inc.. 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 identifying what type of HVAC system the home includes. Furnaces tend to last longer than air conditioners, and some of the latest types of HVAC systems like heat pumps can offer average life spans that are even longer. Getting the details on the make and specific model gives you a clear understanding of how much maintenance it will require.
2. How Old Is the Current HVAC System?
It’s just as smart to learn how old the HVAC system is when you’re considering a new home. For the most part, HVAC systems should survive for around 10-12 years. Learning its approximate installation date helps you plan for possible repair needs or when it might eventually stop working. Older systems may be more vulnerable to problems, so planning ahead of time for a replacement unit might be needed faster than expected.
3. What Does the Warranty Cover?
Be sure to check the HVAC system is covered by a warranty. If it is, you’ll appreciate how it can assist with maintenance costs. HVAC warranties should take care of parts and labor, but the details in each policy will vary. Don’t forget to look into any terms that aren’t familiar to make sure you fully understand your coverage and the likelihood of out-of-pocket costs.
4. Does the System Have a Documented Maintenance History?
Take a close look at the maintenance history of the HVAC system, if the records are accessible. This kind of information can demonstrate if the system constantly broke down 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. Do You Know Its Energy Efficiency Ratings?
Selecting a system with great energy efficiency isn’t just smart; it leads to lower utility bills and less of an impact on the environment. Locate the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) ratings for air conditioning and the annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) for furnaces. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the cooling over the whole season, while high AFUE ratings indicate that the fuel is efficiently converted into useable heat.
6. Can You Spot Trouble During Your Inspection?
Even if you don’t have heating and cooling expertise, you should still check out the HVAC system on your own. Keep an eye out for signs of problems that weren’t mentioned by the seller or real estate agent. This can mean bizarre noises, stubborn patches of the house that are too hot or cold and attempts to hide any visible 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 an assessment and recommendation from experienced HVAC professionals. They can spot things you might miss, such as leaks in the refrigerant, damage to the wiring or flawed ductwork.
A Consultation with Korando Heating & Cooling, Inc. Simplifies Your Home-Buying Journey
Selecting your first home should be thrilling, and Korando Heating & Cooling, Inc. can ensure yours is too. Connect with us at 618-826-2151. 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.
