Purchasing your first home is an exhilarating experience. You’re likely juggling a dozen things or more to ensure you’re making the right choice. We believe that understanding your potential new HVAC system is crucial. The property’s HVAC system represents a significant investment and potential source of long-term costs, so being thorough is important for 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 deeper opinion from the experts, consider calling Brookwood Inc. Our experienced team can help you compare your options with industry insights that are second to none.

1. What HVAC System Are You Working With?

Start by determining what type of HVAC system the home features. Furnaces generally last longer than air conditioners, and newer types of HVAC equipment like heat pumps can offer average life spans that are even longer. Tracking down the make and specific model gives you a clear understanding of how much routine maintenance it might need.

2. How Long Ago Was the System Installed?

Another good idea is to find out how old the HVAC system is when you’re looking at a potential new home. In general, HVAC systems should survive for around 10-12 years. Learning its approximate installation date helps you plan for possible repair needs or considerations if it might eventually stop working. Older systems are at a higher risk of problems, so planning ahead of time for a replacement unit might be needed faster than expected.

3. Does the System Have a Warranty?

Check if the HVAC system is still under warranty. If it is, that’s great news because it can lower maintenance costs. HVAC warranties typically include 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. When Was the Last Time It Received Maintenance?

Take a close look at the maintenance history of the HVAC system, if this kind of history is available. This kind of information can demonstrate if the repair needs are high or how often maintenance is performed. Inquire about 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 can lead to smaller 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. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the cooling over the whole season, while high AFUE ratings mean the fuel is more effectively burned for useable heat.

6. Did You See Any Problems During Your Inspection?

Even without experience in HVAC systems, it’s still a good idea to inspect the HVAC system yourself. Keep an eye out for signs of problems that might have been overlooked. This includes strange noises, unequal airflow and attempts to hide any serious damage.

7. Is an Experienced HVAC Technician Available to Help?

If you’re still hesitant to make an offer because of the overall state of the HVAC system, it’s never a bad idea to get an assessment and recommendation from trained HVAC technicians. They will be much more likely to catch things you might miss, like leaking coolant, wiring issues or flawed ductwork.

A Chat with Brookwood Inc Helps Take the Stress Out of Your Home-Buying Journey

Choosing your first home ought to be exciting, and Brookwood Inc will do everything possible to ensure it stays that way. Get in touch with us at 641-316-9803. We can go over the details about how our HVAC services ease your mind, giving you what you need to step into your new home with confidence.