Purchasing your first home is an exhilarating experience. You’re likely 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 future HVAC system is crucial. The property’s HVAC system represents a substantial investment and source of potential long-term costs, illustrating why a detailed inspection should be a top priority for 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, don’t hesitate to contact Everest Heating & Cooling. Our experienced team can help you compare your options with industry insights you won’t find elsewhere.

1. What Type of HVAC System Is It?

Start by determining what kind of HVAC system the home includes. Furnaces generally last longer than air conditioners, and some of the latest types of HVAC systems like heat pumps can offer average life spans that are impressively long. Tracking down the make and specific model gives you 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. In general, HVAC systems tend to run for about 10-12 years. Learning its approximate installation date helps you prepare for any needed servicing 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. Is the Warranty Still in Effect?

Be sure to check the HVAC system is still under warranty. If it is, that’s great news because it can help with maintenance costs. HVAC warranties typically include parts and labor, but specifics will vary. Review any terms that aren’t familiar to ensure you understand your coverage and any possible out-of-pocket costs.

4. Does the System Have a Documented Maintenance History?

Take a close look at the maintenance history of the HVAC system, if the records are available. This kind of information can reveal if the repair needs are high or how often a tune-up was scheduled. Ask about records for key tasks like filter changes, which means it enjoyed more regularly scheduled tune-ups.

5. Do You Know Its Energy Efficiency Ratings?

Finding a home that features an HVAC system with strong energy efficiency isn’t just smart; it leads to more manageable utility bills and a smaller environmental impact. Look for the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) ratings for air conditioning as well as the annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) for furnaces. Higher SEER ratings mean better cooling across the entire season, while high AFUE ratings illustrate that the fuel is more effectively burned for useable heat.

6. Did You See Any Problems During Your Inspection?

Even if you don’t have heating and cooling expertise, you should still check out the HVAC system yourself. Watch closely for any concerning items that weren’t mentioned by the seller or real estate agent. This includes strange noises, spots with uneven heating or cooling and attempts to hide any obvious damage.

7. Have You Asked Your Local HVAC Professional?

If you’re unsure about the overall state of the HVAC system, it’s wise to get an assessment and recommendation from certified HVAC technicians. They can spot things you might not, such as refrigerant leaks, damage to the wiring or inefficient ductwork.

A Call with Everest Heating & Cooling Simplifies Your Home-Buying Journey

Selecting your first home is meant to be a joyful event, and Everest Heating & Cooling can ensure it stays that way. Reach out with us at 913-845-9463. 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.