Buying your first home is exciting. You’re probably juggling a dozen things or more about making the right choice. We believe that understanding your future HVAC system is vital. The property’s HVAC system represents a significant investment and source of potential long-term costs, so being thorough should be a top priority for first-time homebuyers.

In the following guide, we’ll share 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 Temperature Doctors Heating & Cooling. Our experienced team can help you compare your options with industry insights that are second to none.

1. What Type of HVAC System Is It?

Start by determining what kind of HVAC system the home has. Furnaces tend to last longer than air conditioners, and relatively new types of HVAC products like heat pumps can offer average life spans longer than ever. Getting the details on the make and specific model gives you 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 looking at a potential new home. In general, HVAC systems should survive for around 10-12 years. Learning its approximate installation date helps you prepare for any needed servicing or considerations if it might break down. Older systems may be more vulnerable to problems, so budgeting for a replacement unit might be needed faster than expected.

3. Does the System Have a Warranty?

Check if the HVAC system is covered by a warranty. If it is, this can lower maintenance expenses. HVAC warranties typically include parts and labor, but the details in each policy will vary. Review any terms that seem confusing to make sure you fully understand your coverage and any possible out-of-pocket costs.

4. Does the System Have a Documented Maintenance History?

Next, examine the maintenance history of the HVAC system, if such information is accessible. This service history can demonstrate 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 great energy efficiency can lead to smaller utility bills and a smaller environmental impact. Locate 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 more effectively burned for useable heat.

6. Have You Noticed Signs of Problems After Completing an Informal Inspection?

Even if you don’t have heating and cooling expertise, you should still check out the HVAC system yourself. Look for potential issues that haven’t been mentioned by the seller. This can mean bizarre noises, spots with uneven heating or cooling and attempts to cover up any serious damage.

7. Is an Experienced HVAC Technician Available to Help?

If you’re not quite sure about the condition of the HVAC system, it’s never a bad idea to get input from certified HVAC professionals. They can spot things you might not, such as refrigerant leaks, wiring issues or flawed ductwork.

A Chat with Temperature Doctors Heating & Cooling Simplifies Your Home-Buying Journey

Selecting your first home ought to be exciting, and Temperature Doctors Heating & Cooling can ensure that doesn’t change. Get in touch with us at (815) 914-6197. We can talk about how our HVAC services help make this process smoother, giving you what you need to step into your new home with confidence.