Purchasing your first home is an exhilarating experience. You’re likely juggling numerous details to ensure you’re making the right choice. We believe that understanding your potential new HVAC system is vital. The property’s HVAC system represents a substantial 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 setup. And if you want a deeper opinion from the experts, feel free to call Done Right Air. Our seasoned technicians can share details about 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 includes. Furnaces tend to last longer compared to air conditioners, and relatively new types of HVAC systems like heat pumps boast average life spans that are impressively long. Knowing the make and specific model ensures you have a clear understanding of how much routine maintenance it might need.

2. How Old Is the Current HVAC System?

It’s just as smart to learn how old the HVAC system is when you’re looking at a potential new home. On average, HVAC systems should survive for around 10-12 years. Learning its approximate installation date helps you anticipate future maintenance needs or considerations if it might eventually stop working. Older systems are at a higher risk of problems, so fiscal planning for a replacement unit might be needed faster than expected.

3. What Does the Warranty Cover?

Check if the HVAC system is still under warranty. If it is, you’ll appreciate how it can lower maintenance expenses. HVAC warranties often cover parts and labor, but specifics will vary. Review any terms that aren’t familiar to make sure you fully understand your coverage and the likelihood of 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 accessible. This kind of information can reveal if the system constantly broke down or how much upkeep was provided. You should at least try to track down a history of key tasks such as changing the air filter, which is a positive sign indicating regularly scheduled tune-ups.

5. Are You Aware of the System’s Energy Efficiency Ratings?

Selecting a system with strong energy efficiency can lead to smaller utility bills and less of an impact on the environment. Locate the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) ratings for air conditioning along with the annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) for furnaces. Higher SEER ratings mean better cooling across the entire season, while higher AFUE ratings illustrate 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 experience in HVAC systems, it’s still a good idea to check out the HVAC system yourself. Keep an eye out for signs of problems that might have been overlooked. This can mean bizarre noises, spots with uneven heating or cooling and attempts to cover up any serious damage.

7. Have You Asked Your Local HVAC Professional?

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 technicians. They can spot things you might not, like refrigerant leaks, wiring issues or inefficient ductwork.

A Call with Done Right Air Helps Take the Stress Out of Your Home-Buying Journey

Choosing your first home is meant to be a joyful event, and Done Right Air wants to ensure that doesn’t change. Get in touch with us at 414-207-4034. 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.