Completing the search for your first home is thrilling. You’re likely juggling a dozen things or more to ensure you’re making the right choice. We believe that gaining insight into your potential new HVAC system is crucial. The property’s HVAC system represents a significant investment and source of potential long-term costs, illustrating why a detailed inspection should be a top priority for first-time homebuyers.

In the following guide, we’ll outline seven tips for learning everything you can about a home’s heating and cooling system. And if you want a more in-depth opinion from the pros, don’t hesitate to contact Redhawk Heating & Air Conditioning. Our seasoned technicians can share details about 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 tend to last longer than air conditioners, and newer types of HVAC systems like heat pumps boast average life spans that are impressively long. Knowing the make and specific model provides a much better sense of how much maintenance it will require.

2. How Long Ago Was the System Installed?

It’s just as smart to learn how old the HVAC system is when you’re considering a potential 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 eventually stop working. Older systems are more prone to problems, so budgeting for a replacement unit might be needed faster than expected.

3. Is the Warranty Still in Effect?

Check if the HVAC system is covered by a warranty. If it is, that’s great news because it can assist with maintenance costs. HVAC warranties typically include parts and labor, but the details in each policy will vary. Make sure you go over any terms you don’t recognize to make sure you fully understand your coverage and potential out-of-pocket costs.

4. When Was the Last Time It Received Maintenance?

Take a close look at the maintenance history of the HVAC system, if the records are accessible. This kind of information can reveal if there have been regular problems or how often a tune-up was scheduled. Inquire about 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?

Finding a home that features an HVAC system with great energy efficiency can lead to more manageable utility bills and less of an impact on the environment. Locate the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) ratings for air conditioning as well as the annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) for furnaces. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the cooling over the whole season, while strong 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, it’s still a good idea to examine the HVAC system on your own. Look for potential issues 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 unsure about 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 may not know about, like leaking coolant, bad electrical connections or flawed ductwork.

A Call with Redhawk Heating & Air Conditioning Simplifies Your Home-Buying Journey

Choosing your first home is meant to be a joyful event, and Redhawk Heating & Air Conditioning wants to ensure yours is too. Connect with us at 432-237-0168. We can discuss how our HVAC services help make this process smoother, giving you what you need to dive into home-ownership with confidence.