Purchasing your first home is an exhilarating experience. You’re probably trying to keep track of numerous details about making the right choice. We believe that gaining insight into your potential new HVAC system is crucial. The property’s HVAC system represents a substantial investment and potential source of long-term costs, which is why due diligence helps all first-time homebuyers.

In this guide, we’ll share seven tips for learning everything you can about a home’s heating and cooling system. And if you want a more in-depth opinion from the pros, feel free to call Tri City Fuel & Heating. Our experienced team can share details about your options with industry insights that are second to none.

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

Start by determining what kind of HVAC system the home features. Furnaces generally last longer compared to air conditioners, and relatively new types of HVAC products like heat pumps feature average life spans that are impressively long. Tracking down the make and specific model provides a clear idea 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 considering a new home. For the most part, HVAC systems last about 10-12 years. Knowing when it was installed helps you anticipate future maintenance needs or considerations if it might eventually stop working. Older systems are more prone to problems, so fiscal planning 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, you’ll appreciate how it can lower maintenance expenses. HVAC warranties typically include 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 the likelihood of out-of-pocket costs.

4. Does the System Have a Documented Maintenance History?

Don’t forget to check the maintenance history of the HVAC system, if the records are accessible. This kind of information can demonstrate if there have been regular problems 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 can indicate it received regularly scheduled tune-ups.

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

Finding a home that features an HVAC system with strong energy efficiency means lower utility bills and less of an impact on the environment. Check out the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) ratings for air conditioning and the annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) for furnaces. Higher SEER ratings mean better cooling across the entire season, while high AFUE ratings illustrate that the fuel is efficiently converted into useable heat.

6. Did You See Any Problems During Your Inspection?

Even without experience in HVAC systems, you should still inspect the HVAC system on your own. Look for signs of problems that haven’t been mentioned by the seller. This includes strange noises, spots with uneven heating or cooling and attempts to hide any visible damage.

7. Have You Asked Your Local HVAC Professional?

If you’re still hesitant to make an offer because of the overall state of the HVAC system, it’s wise to get a professional opinion from experienced HVAC technicians. They are skilled at identifying things you might miss, such as leaking coolant, bad electrical connections or damaged ductwork.

A Consultation with Tri City Fuel & Heating Simplifies Your Home-Buying Journey

Selecting your first home is meant to be a joyful event, and Tri City Fuel & Heating can ensure it stays that way. Get in touch with us at 803-265-4208. 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.