Completing the search for your first home is thrilling. You’re likely juggling numerous details to ensure you’re making the right choice. We believe that gaining insight into your potential new HVAC system is essential. The property’s HVAC system represents a substantial investment and source of potential long-term costs, so being thorough is important for first-time homebuyers.

In the following guide, we’ll share seven tips for discovering all there is to know about a home’s heating and cooling system. And if you want a more in-depth opinion from the experts, feel free to call Prudhom Mechanical. Our seasoned technicians can weigh in on your options with industry insights you won’t find elsewhere.

1. What HVAC System Are You Working With?

Start by determining what type of HVAC system the home includes. Furnaces generally last longer than air conditioners, and some of the latest types of HVAC products like heat pumps feature average life spans longer than ever. Getting the details on the make and specific model ensures you have a clear idea 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 break down. Older systems are at a higher risk of problems, so planning ahead of time for a replacement unit could be necessary sooner than you thought.

3. Is the Warranty Active?

Don’t forget to look into whether the HVAC system is covered by a warranty. If it is, this can lighten the load for maintenance costs. HVAC warranties often cover parts and labor, but the details in each policy will vary. Review any terms that seem confusing to make sure you fully understand your coverage and any possible 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 service history can reveal 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 like filter changes, which can indicate it received regularly scheduled tune-ups.

5. Do You Know Its Energy Efficiency Ratings?

Purchasing a home with a heating and cooling system with high energy efficiency isn’t just smart; it leads to lower utility bills and less of an impact on the environment. Look for the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) ratings for air conditioning along with the annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) for furnaces. High SEER ratings mean more efficient cooling throughout the season, while high AFUE ratings mean the fuel is more effectively burned for useable heat.

6. Have You Noticed Signs of Problems After Your Own Inspection?

Even if you don’t have experience in HVAC systems, 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 might consist of odd sounds, spots with uneven heating or cooling and attempts to cover up any obvious damage.

7. Have You Sought Out Expert Advice?

If you're still hesitant to make an offer because of the overall state of the HVAC system, it's beneficial to get a professional opinion from trained HVAC technicians. They are skilled at identifying things you might miss, like leaks in the refrigerant, damage to the wiring or flawed ductwork.

A Chat with Prudhom Mechanical Simplifies Your Home-Buying Journey

Finding your first home should be thrilling, and Prudhom Mechanical can ensure that doesn’t change. Reach out with us at 405-888-8606. We can go over the details about how our HVAC services ease your mind, giving you what you need to make an offer with confidence.