Completing the search for your first home is an exhilarating experience. You’re likely juggling a dozen things or more about making the right choice. We believe that understanding your future HVAC system is essential. 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 outline 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, don’t hesitate to contact Miller Climate Control LLC. Our experienced team can weigh in on your options with industry insights that are second to none.

1. What HVAC System Are You Working With?

Start by determining what kind of HVAC system the home includes. Furnaces generally last longer compared to air conditioners, and newer types of HVAC systems like heat pumps feature average life spans that are even longer. Knowing the make and specific model ensures you have a clear understanding 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 new home. For the most part, HVAC systems last about 10-12 years. Having the knowledge of when it was installed helps you prepare for any needed servicing or considerations if it might break down. Older systems are more prone to problems, so planning ahead of time for a replacement unit might be needed faster than expected.

3. Is the Warranty Active?

Be sure to check the HVAC system is still under warranty. If it is, that’s great news because 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. Don’t forget to look into any terms you don’t recognize to ensure you understand your coverage and any possible out-of-pocket costs.

4. When Was the Last Time It Received Maintenance?

Next, examine the maintenance history of the HVAC system, if this kind of history is accessible. This kind of information can reveal if the repair needs are high 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. What Are the Energy Efficiency Ratings?

Purchasing a home with a heating and cooling system with high energy efficiency can lead to smaller utility bills and less of an impact on the environment. Look for 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 strong AFUE ratings mean the fuel is efficiently converted into useable heat.

6. Did You See Any Problems After Completing an Informal Inspection?

Even without heating and cooling expertise, you can still take a moment to examine the HVAC system on your own. Watch closely for potential issues that might have been overlooked. This might consist of odd sounds, spots with uneven heating or cooling and attempts to cover up any obvious 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 beneficial to get an assessment and recommendation from certified HVAC technicians. They can spot things you may not know about, including refrigerant leaks, bad electrical connections or flawed ductwork.

A Chat with Miller Climate Control LLC Simplifies Your Home-Buying Journey

Finding your first home should be thrilling, and Miller Climate Control LLC wants to ensure that doesn’t change. Connect with us at 512-937-2001. We can discuss how our HVAC services ease your mind, giving you what you need to dive into home-ownership with confidence.