Purchasing your first home is thrilling. You’re probably trying to keep track of a dozen things or more about making the right choice. We believe that gaining insight into your future HVAC system is crucial. The property’s HVAC system represents a significant investment and source of potential long-term costs, so being thorough is important 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 setup. And if you want a more in-depth opinion from the experts, don't hesitate to contact North Mechanical Heating and Cooling. Our staff can help you compare your options with industry insights you won’t find elsewhere.

1. Which Kind of HVAC System Does the Home Use?

Start by identifying 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 feature average life spans that are impressively long. Knowing the make and specific model provides a clear understanding 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. On average, HVAC systems tend to run for about 10-12 years. Having the knowledge of when it was installed helps you anticipate future maintenance needs or when it might break down. Older systems may be more vulnerable to problems, so fiscal planning for a replacement unit could be necessary sooner than you thought.

3. Is the Warranty Active?

Don’t forget to look into whether the HVAC system is covered by a warranty. If it is, you’ll appreciate how it can lighten the load for maintenance costs. HVAC warranties should take care of parts and labor, but it's important to note that details will vary. Make sure you go over any terms that aren’t familiar to make sure you fully understand your coverage and potential out-of-pocket costs.

4. Has the System Ever Been Professionally Serviced or Maintained?

Next, examine the maintenance history of the HVAC system, if such information is available. This service history can demonstrate if there have been regular problems or how often maintenance is performed. Ask about records for key tasks like filter changes, which can indicate it received regularly scheduled tune-ups.

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

Selecting a system with high energy efficiency isn’t just smart; it leads to smaller utility bills and a smaller environmental impact. Try and find the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) ratings for air conditioning as well as the annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) for furnaces. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the cooling over the whole season, while higher AFUE ratings indicate 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 the know-how of an HVAC technician, it's still a good idea to inspect the HVAC system on your own. Look for any concerning items that might have been overlooked. This might consist of odd sounds, unequal airflow and attempts at concealing any serious damage.

7. Have You Asked Your Local HVAC Professional?

If you're unsure about the condition of the HVAC system, it's never a bad idea to get an assessment and recommendation from experienced HVAC professionals. They are skilled at identifying things you might not, including leaking coolant, damage to the wiring or damaged ductwork.

A Call with North Mechanical Heating and Cooling Simplifies Your Home-Buying Journey

Choosing your first home ought to be exciting, and North Mechanical Heating and Cooling wants to ensure that doesn’t change. Connect with us at 928-263-8570. We can go over the details about how our HVAC services help make this process smoother, giving you what you need to step into your new home with confidence.