Buying your first home is thrilling. You’re likely trying to keep track of numerous details to ensure you’re making the right choice. We believe that gaining insight into your future HVAC system is essential. The property’s HVAC system represents a significant investment and source of potential long-term costs, which is why due diligence is important for first-time homebuyers.

In the following 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 more in-depth opinion from the pros, don’t hesitate to contact Central Heating & Plumbing. Our seasoned technicians can share details about your options with industry insights you won’t find elsewhere.

1. What HVAC System Are You Working With?

Start by determining what type of HVAC system the home includes. Furnaces tend to last longer than air conditioners, and some of the latest types of HVAC products like heat pumps can offer average life spans that are even longer. Getting the details on the make and specific model gives you a clear understanding of how much maintenance it will require.

2. How Long Ago Was the System Installed?

It also helps to learn how old the HVAC system is when you’re considering a new home. On average, HVAC systems should survive for around 10-12 years. Knowing when it was installed helps you anticipate future maintenance needs or when it might eventually stop working. Older systems are more prone to problems, so budgeting 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 expenses. HVAC warranties typically include parts and labor, but the details in each policy will vary. Don’t forget to look into 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?

Take a close look at the maintenance history of the HVAC system, if such information is available. This service history can demonstrate if the system constantly broke down or how often maintenance is performed. Ask about records for key tasks like filter changes, which means it enjoyed more regularly scheduled tune-ups.

5. What Are the Energy Efficiency Ratings?

Finding a home that features an HVAC system with high energy efficiency isn’t just smart; it leads to smaller utility bills and less of an impact on the environment. Look for the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) ratings for air conditioning along with the annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) for furnaces. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the cooling over the whole season, while high AFUE ratings indicate that the fuel is efficiently converted into useable heat.

6. Did You See Any Problems After Your Own Inspection?

Even without experience in HVAC systems, you should still inspect the HVAC system on your own. Watch closely for any concerning items that might have been overlooked. This can mean bizarre noises, unequal airflow and attempts to cover up any serious damage.

7. Have You Sought Out Expert Advice?

If you’re not quite sure about the current state of the HVAC system, it’s beneficial to get an assessment and recommendation from experienced HVAC technicians. They can spot things you might miss, like leaks in the refrigerant, bad electrical connections or inefficient ductwork.

A Consultation with Central Heating & Plumbing Simplifies Your Home-Buying Journey

Finding your first home ought to be exciting, and Central Heating & Plumbing will do everything possible to ensure it stays that way. Get in touch with us at 724-401-1843. We can discuss how our HVAC services help make this process smoother, giving you what you need to dive into home-ownership with confidence.