Purchasing your first home is thrilling. You’re likely trying to keep track of numerous details about making the right choice. We believe that understanding your future 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 helps all first-time homebuyers.

In the following guide, we’ll outline seven tips for learning everything you can about a home’s heating and cooling setup. And if you want a more in-depth opinion from the pros, don’t hesitate to contact B & G HVAC. Our experienced team can help you compare your options with industry insights that are second to none.

1. What Type of HVAC System Is It?

Start by determining what specific HVAC system the home has. Furnaces generally last longer than air conditioners, and some of the latest types of HVAC equipment like heat pumps can offer average life spans longer than ever. Tracking down 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?

Another good idea is to find out how old the HVAC system is when you’re looking at a potential new home. On average, HVAC systems tend to run for about 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 planning ahead of time for a replacement unit could be necessary sooner than you thought.

3. Is the Warranty Active?

Be sure to check the HVAC system is still under warranty. If it is, this can lower maintenance expenses. HVAC warranties should take care of parts and labor, but the details in each policy will vary. Make sure you go over any terms that seem confusing to make sure you fully understand your coverage and potential out-of-pocket costs.

4. Does the System Have a Documented Maintenance History?

Next, examine the maintenance history of the HVAC system, if the records are available. This service history 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 is a positive sign indicating regularly scheduled tune-ups.

5. What Are the Energy Efficiency Ratings?

Purchasing a home with a heating and cooling system with high energy efficiency isn’t just smart; it leads to smaller utility bills and a smaller environmental impact. 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 After Your Own Inspection?

Even if you don’t have experience in HVAC systems, it’s still a good idea to examine the HVAC system on your own. Look for signs of problems that might have been overlooked. This includes strange noises, stubborn patches of the house that are too hot or cold and attempts to cover up any obvious damage.

7. Have You Sought Out Expert Advice?

If you’re not quite sure about the current state of the HVAC system, it’s never a bad idea to get an assessment and recommendation from trained HVAC professionals. They will be much more likely to catch things you might miss, like leaks in the refrigerant, damage to the wiring or inefficient ductwork.

A Chat with B & G HVAC Helps Take the Stress Out of Your Home-Buying Journey

Selecting your first home should be thrilling, and B & G HVAC wants to ensure that doesn’t change. Reach out with us at 641-316-3360. We can talk about how our HVAC services give you peace of mind, giving you what you need to dive into home-ownership with confidence.