Buying your first home is thrilling. You’re likely trying to keep track of a dozen things or more about making the right choice. We believe that gaining insight into your potential new HVAC system is crucial. The property’s HVAC system represents a substantial investment and source of potential long-term costs, which is why due diligence 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 pros, feel free to call GV Heating & Air. Our staff can help you compare your options with industry insights you won’t find elsewhere.

1. What HVAC System Are You Working With?

Start by identifying what kind of HVAC system the home includes. Furnaces generally last longer compared to air conditioners, and newer types of HVAC equipment like heat pumps feature average life spans longer than ever. Getting the details on 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’s just as smart to learn how old the HVAC system is when you’re considering a new home. For the most part, HVAC systems should survive for around 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 at a higher risk of problems, so planning ahead of time for a replacement unit might be needed faster than expected.

3. Does the System Have a Warranty?

Be sure to check the HVAC system is covered by a warranty. If it is, that’s great news because it can help with maintenance expenses. HVAC warranties typically include parts and labor, but the details in each policy will vary. Review any terms that aren’t familiar to make sure you fully understand your coverage and any possible 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 the records are available. This kind of information can demonstrate if there have been regular problems or how much upkeep was provided. You should at least try to track down a history of key tasks like filter changes, which is a positive sign indicating regularly scheduled tune-ups.

5. Do You Know Its Energy Efficiency Ratings?

Finding a home that features an HVAC system with great energy efficiency means more manageable utility bills and less of an impact on the environment. Locate 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 indicate that the fuel is more effectively burned for useable heat.

6. Can You Spot Trouble After Completing an Informal Inspection?

Even if you don’t have heating and cooling expertise, you should still check out the HVAC system yourself. Watch closely 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 Sought Out Expert Advice?

If you’re still hesitant to make an offer because of the current state of the HVAC system, it’s beneficial to get input from experienced HVAC technicians. They will be much more likely to catch things you may not know about, like leaks in the refrigerant, bad electrical connections or flawed ductwork.

A Consultation with GV Heating & Air Simplifies Your Home-Buying Journey

Selecting your first home should be thrilling, and GV Heating & Air can ensure it stays that way. Connect with us at 763-535-2000. We can discuss how our HVAC services ease your mind, giving you what you need to dive into home-ownership with confidence.