Buying your first home is an exhilarating experience. You’re probably juggling numerous details about making the right choice. We believe that understanding your future HVAC system is vital. The property’s HVAC system represents a substantial investment and source of potential long-term costs, so being thorough helps all first-time homebuyers.

In this guide, we’ll share 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 pros, feel free to call Freed Heating & Air Conditioning. Our staff can weigh in on your options with industry insights that are second to none.

1. Which Kind of HVAC System Does the Home Use?

Start by identifying what type of HVAC system the home has. Furnaces generally last longer compared to air conditioners, and newer types of HVAC products like heat pumps feature average life spans longer than ever. Getting the details on the make and specific model ensures you have a clear idea of how much routine maintenance it might need.

2. How Long Ago Was the System Installed?

It also helps 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. Learning its approximate installation date helps you anticipate future maintenance needs or when it might shut down for good. 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. What Does the Warranty Cover?

Don’t forget to look into whether the HVAC system is covered by a warranty. If it is, this can assist with maintenance costs. HVAC warranties typically include parts and labor, but specifics will vary. Don’t forget to look into any terms you don’t recognize to ensure you understand your coverage and potential out-of-pocket costs.

4. When Was the Last Time It Received Maintenance?

Don’t forget to check the maintenance history of the HVAC system, if this kind of history is accessible. 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. Do You Know Its Energy Efficiency Ratings?

Selecting a system with great energy efficiency can lead to more manageable utility bills and less of an impact on the environment. Look for the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) ratings for air conditioning and the annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) for furnaces. High SEER ratings mean more efficient cooling throughout the season, while strong AFUE ratings illustrate that the fuel is more effectively burned for useable heat.

6. Have You Noticed Signs of Problems During Your Inspection?

Even if you don’t have experience in HVAC systems, you can still take a moment to inspect the HVAC system on your own. Keep an eye out for signs of problems that haven’t been mentioned by the seller. This might consist of odd sounds, spots with uneven heating or cooling and attempts to hide any obvious damage.

7. Have You Asked Your Local HVAC Professional?

If you’re still hesitant to make an offer because of the condition of the HVAC system, it’s beneficial to get input from certified HVAC technicians. They are skilled at identifying things you might miss, like leaking coolant, damage to the wiring or flawed ductwork.

A Chat with Freed Heating & Air Conditioning Helps Take the Stress Out of Your Home-Buying Journey

Choosing your first home is meant to be a joyful event, and Freed Heating & Air Conditioning will do everything possible to ensure yours is too. Get in touch with us at 309-323-9584. We can discuss how our HVAC services help make this process smoother, giving you what you need to dive into home-ownership with confidence.