Buying your first home is thrilling. You’re probably 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 potential new HVAC system is vital. The property’s HVAC system represents a substantial investment and source of potential long-term costs, illustrating why a detailed inspection is important 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 Rapids Sheet Metal Works Inc. Our seasoned technicians can weigh in on your options with industry insights you won’t find elsewhere.

1. What Type of HVAC System Is It?

Start by clarifying what specific HVAC system the home has. Furnaces generally last longer compared to 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 gives you 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 looking at a new home. In general, HVAC systems tend to run for about 10-12 years. Knowing when it was installed helps you anticipate future maintenance needs or considerations if it might eventually stop working. 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 Still in Effect?

Don’t forget to look into whether the HVAC system is still under warranty. If it is, this can help with maintenance expenses. HVAC warranties often cover parts and labor, but it’s important to note that details will vary. Make sure you go over any terms you don’t recognize to ensure you understand your coverage and any possible 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 that information is available. 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. Are You Aware of the System’s Energy Efficiency Ratings?

Finding a home that features an HVAC system with high energy efficiency means smaller utility bills and less of an impact on the environment. Look for 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 high AFUE ratings mean the fuel is efficiently converted into useable heat.

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

Even if you don’t have the know-how of an HVAC technician, you can still take a moment to check out the HVAC system yourself. Look for signs of problems that might have been overlooked. This might consist of odd sounds, spots with uneven heating or cooling and attempts to hide any serious damage.

7. Have You Asked Your Local HVAC Professional?

If you’re unsure about the current state of the HVAC system, it’s wise to get an assessment and recommendation from trained HVAC technicians. They will be much more likely to catch things you may not know about, like leaking coolant, bad electrical connections or inefficient ductwork.

A Call with Rapids Sheet Metal Works Inc Simplifies Your Home-Buying Journey

Finding your first home is meant to be a joyful event, and Rapids Sheet Metal Works Inc can ensure yours is too. Connect with us at 715-301-0256. We can go over the details about how our HVAC services help make this process smoother, giving you what you need to dive into home-ownership with confidence.