Purchasing 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 essential. The property’s HVAC system represents a significant investment and potential source of long-term costs, illustrating why a detailed inspection should be a top priority for first-time homebuyers.

In this guide, we’ll outline seven tips for learning everything you can about a home’s heating and cooling system. And if you want a deeper opinion from the experts, consider calling Dial One Mears Air Conditioning & Heating Inc. Our staff can share details about your options with industry insights that are second to none.

1. What HVAC System Are You Working With?

Start by determining what specific HVAC system the home features. Furnaces generally last longer than air conditioners, and relatively new types of HVAC products like heat pumps can offer average life spans longer than ever. Tracking down the make and specific model provides a much better sense 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 considering a potential new home. On average, HVAC systems tend to run for about 10-12 years. Knowing when it was installed helps you plan for possible repair needs or considerations if it might shut down for good. Older systems are at a higher risk of problems, so fiscal planning for a replacement unit could be necessary sooner than you thought.

3. Is the Warranty Active?

Check if the HVAC system is still under warranty. If it is, that’s great news because it can lower 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 that seem confusing to ensure you understand your coverage and any possible out-of-pocket costs.

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

Take a close look at the maintenance history of the HVAC system, if such information is accessible. This service history can reveal if the system constantly broke down or how often a tune-up was scheduled. Ask about records for key tasks such as changing the air filter, which means it enjoyed more regularly scheduled tune-ups.

5. What Are the Energy Efficiency Ratings?

Purchasing a home with a heating and cooling system with strong energy efficiency means lower utility bills and a smaller environmental impact. Check out the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) ratings for air conditioning and the annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) for furnaces. Higher SEER ratings mean better cooling across the entire season, while higher AFUE ratings mean the fuel is more effectively burned for useable heat.

6. Can You Spot Trouble After Your Own Inspection?

Even if you don’t have heating and cooling expertise, you should still check out the HVAC system yourself. Look for signs of problems that haven’t been mentioned by the seller. This includes strange noises, unequal airflow and attempts to cover up any obvious damage.

7. Have You Sought Out Expert Advice?

If you’re not quite sure about the overall state of the HVAC system, it’s never a bad idea to get an assessment and recommendation from certified HVAC technicians. They can spot things you may not know about, including leaking coolant, bad electrical connections or inefficient ductwork.

A Consultation with Dial One Mears Air Conditioning & Heating Inc Simplifies Your Home-Buying Journey

Choosing your first home should be thrilling, and Dial One Mears Air Conditioning & Heating Inc will do everything possible to ensure that doesn’t change. Reach out with us at 602-789-3315. We can go over the details about how our HVAC services help make this process smoother, giving you what you need to make an offer with confidence.