Buying your first home is an exhilarating experience. You’re likely trying to keep track of a dozen things or more to ensure you’re making the right choice. We believe that gaining insight into 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 helps all 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 experts, consider calling Prudhom Mechanical. Our experienced team can weigh in on your options with industry insights that are second to none.

1. What HVAC System Are You Working With?

Start by clarifying what specific HVAC system the home includes. Furnaces generally last longer compared to air conditioners, and relatively new types of HVAC equipment like heat pumps can offer average life spans that are impressively long. Knowing the make and specific model gives you a much better sense of how much routine maintenance it might need.

2. What Is the Current System’s Age?

Another good idea is to find out how old the HVAC system is when you’re looking at a potential new home. For the most part, HVAC systems should survive for around 10-12 years. Learning its approximate installation date 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 Active?

Don’t forget to look into whether the HVAC system is still under warranty. If it is, this can help with maintenance costs. HVAC warranties typically include parts and labor, but specifics will vary. Review any terms you don’t recognize to make sure you fully understand your coverage and any possible out-of-pocket costs.

4. When Was the Last Time It Received Maintenance?

Next, examine the maintenance history of the HVAC system, if this kind of history is accessible. This service history can demonstrate if there have been regular problems or how often a tune-up was scheduled. You should at least try to track down a history of key tasks like filter changes, which can indicate it received regularly scheduled tune-ups.

5. Do You Know Its Energy Efficiency Ratings?

Finding a home that features an HVAC system with strong energy efficiency can lead to more manageable utility bills and a smaller environmental impact. Try and find 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 higher AFUE ratings mean the fuel is efficiently converted into useable heat.

6. Can You Spot Trouble During Your Inspection?

Even without the know-how of an HVAC technician, you should still inspect 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 might consist of odd sounds, stubborn patches of the house that are too hot or cold and attempts to cover up any obvious damage.

7. Have You Asked Your Local HVAC Professional?

If you’re still hesitant to make an offer because of the condition of the HVAC system, it’s wise to get input from certified HVAC professionals. They can spot things you may not know about, such as leaking coolant, wiring issues or flawed ductwork.

A Chat with Prudhom Mechanical Simplifies Your Home-Buying Journey

Finding your first home is meant to be a joyful event, and Prudhom Mechanical can ensure yours is too. Get in touch with us at 405-888-8606. We can discuss how our HVAC services help make this process smoother, giving you what you need to dive into home-ownership with confidence.