Purchasing 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 future HVAC system is vital. The property’s HVAC system represents a significant investment and source of potential long-term costs, so being thorough is important for first-time homebuyers.

In this guide, we’ll share seven tips for learning everything you can about a home’s heating and cooling system. And if you want a deeper opinion from the pros, don’t hesitate to contact Haselhoff Air Solutions. Our staff can weigh in on your options with industry insights that are second to none.

1. What Type of HVAC System Is It?

Start by identifying what specific HVAC system the home includes. Furnaces generally last longer than air conditioners, and some of the latest types of HVAC systems like heat pumps boast average life spans that are even longer. Getting the details on the make and specific model provides a clear understanding of how much it might cost in upkeep over time.

2. How Long Ago Was the System Installed?

It also helps to learn how old the HVAC system is when you’re considering a potential new home. On average, HVAC systems tend to run for about 10-12 years. Having the knowledge of when it was installed helps you plan for possible repair needs or considerations if it might shut down for good. Older systems are more prone to problems, so budgeting for a replacement unit might be needed faster than expected.

3. What Does the Warranty Cover?

Don’t forget to look into whether the HVAC system is covered by a warranty. If it is, you’ll appreciate how it can help with maintenance costs. HVAC warranties often cover parts and labor, but the details in each policy will vary. Review any terms that aren’t familiar to ensure you understand your coverage and potential out-of-pocket costs.

4. Has the System Ever Been Professionally Serviced or Maintained?

Don’t forget to check the maintenance history of the HVAC system, if this kind of history is available. This kind of information can reveal if the system constantly broke down 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 means it enjoyed more regularly scheduled tune-ups.

5. What Are the Energy Efficiency Ratings?

Finding a home that features an HVAC system with high energy efficiency isn’t just smart; it leads to lower 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 high AFUE ratings indicate that the fuel is efficiently converted into useable heat.

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

Even if you don’t have heating and cooling expertise, it’s still a good idea to 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 hide 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 wise to get input from trained HVAC professionals. They will be much more likely to catch things you may not know about, like leaking coolant, bad electrical connections or damaged ductwork.

A Consultation with Haselhoff Air Solutions Simplifies Your Home-Buying Journey

Finding your first home is meant to be a joyful event, and Haselhoff Air Solutions wants to ensure it stays that way. Connect with us at 515-450-8739. 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.