Buying your first home is an exhilarating experience. You’re probably trying to keep track of a dozen things or more to ensure you’re making the right choice. We believe that understanding your future HVAC system is essential. The property’s HVAC system represents a substantial investment and source of potential long-term costs, which is why due diligence helps all first-time homebuyers.

In the following guide, we’ll outline seven tips for discovering all there is to know about a home’s heating and cooling system. And if you want a deeper opinion from the experts, feel free to call Refrigeration Systems Ltd.. Our experienced team can share details about your options with industry insights that are second to none.

1. What HVAC System Are You Working With?

Start by clarifying what kind of HVAC system the home has. Furnaces tend to last longer than air conditioners, and newer types of HVAC products like heat pumps can offer average life spans that are impressively long. Tracking down the make and specific model provides a much better sense of how much routine maintenance it might need.

2. What Is the Current System’s Age?

It also helps to learn how old the HVAC system is when you're looking at a potential new home. In general, HVAC systems tend to run for about 10-12 years. Knowing when it was installed helps you prepare for any needed servicing or when it might shut down for good. Older systems are more prone to problems, so fiscal planning for a replacement unit could be necessary sooner than you thought.

3. Does the System Have a Warranty?

Be sure to check the HVAC system is covered by a warranty. If it is, this can help with maintenance costs. HVAC warranties typically include parts and labor, but the details in each policy will vary. Review any terms you don’t recognize to ensure you understand your coverage and any possible 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 such information is accessible. This kind of information can reveal if the system constantly broke down or how often a tune-up was scheduled. Inquire about key tasks such as changing the air filter, which means it enjoyed more regularly scheduled tune-ups.

5. What Are the Energy Efficiency Ratings?

Selecting a system with high energy efficiency can lead to smaller utility bills and a smaller environmental impact. Look for the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) ratings for air conditioning and the annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) for furnaces. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the cooling over the whole season, while higher AFUE ratings indicate that the fuel is efficiently converted into useable heat.

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

Even without heating and cooling expertise, you can still take a moment to examine the HVAC system yourself. Watch closely for any concerning items that haven't been mentioned by the seller. 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. Is an Experienced HVAC Technician Available to Help?

If you're not quite sure about the current state of the HVAC system, it's never a bad idea to get input from certified HVAC technicians. They can spot things you might not, including leaking coolant, damage to the wiring or inefficient ductwork.

A Call with Refrigeration Systems Ltd. Helps Take the Stress Out of Your Home-Buying Journey

Choosing your first home should be thrilling, and Refrigeration Systems Ltd. wants to ensure it stays that way. Get in touch with us at 778-693-2532. We can talk about how our HVAC services help make this process smoother, giving you what you need to step into your new home with confidence.