Buying your first home is an exhilarating experience. You’re probably juggling a dozen things or more to ensure you’re making the right choice. We believe that gaining insight into your future HVAC system is vital. The property’s HVAC system represents a substantial investment and source of potential long-term costs, so being thorough helps all first-time homebuyers.

In this guide, we’ll outline seven tips for learning everything you can about a home’s heating and cooling setup. And if you want a deeper opinion from the experts, feel free to call Stieferman Heating Company Inc. Our experienced team 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 has. Furnaces generally last longer compared to air conditioners, and some of the latest types of HVAC systems like heat pumps boast average life spans that are impressively long. Knowing the make and specific model provides a clear understanding of how much it might cost in upkeep over time.

2. How Long Ago Was the System Installed?

It’s just as smart to learn how old the HVAC system is when you’re looking at a new home. For the most part, HVAC systems tend to run for about 10-12 years. Knowing when it was installed helps you prepare for any needed servicing or when it might break down. 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?

Be sure to check the HVAC system is covered by a warranty. If it is, this can assist with maintenance costs. HVAC warranties should take care of parts and labor, but specifics will vary. Make sure you go over 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 this kind of history is accessible. This service history can demonstrate if the system constantly broke down or how often a tune-up was scheduled. 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?

Purchasing a home with a heating and cooling system with strong energy efficiency isn’t just smart; it leads to lower utility bills and less of an impact on the environment. Locate 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 illustrate that the fuel is more effectively burned for useable heat.

6. Did You See Any Problems During Your Inspection?

Even without heating and cooling expertise, it’s still a good idea to examine the HVAC system on your own. Watch closely for any concerning items that might have been overlooked. This might consist of odd sounds, stubborn patches of the house that are too hot or cold and attempts at concealing any visible damage.

7. Is an Experienced HVAC Technician Available to Help?

If you’re unsure about the condition of the HVAC system, it’s beneficial to get a professional opinion from certified HVAC professionals. They will be much more likely to catch things you might not, like leaks in the refrigerant, damage to the wiring or damaged ductwork.

A Consultation with Stieferman Heating Company Inc Simplifies Your Home-Buying Journey

Finding your first home is meant to be a joyful event, and Stieferman Heating Company Inc will do everything possible to ensure that doesn’t change. Reach out with us at 573-635-3547. We can go over the details about how our HVAC services help make this process smoother, giving you what you need to dive into home-ownership with confidence.