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 essential. The property’s HVAC system represents a significant investment and potential source of long-term costs, which is why due diligence helps all first-time homebuyers.

In the following guide, we’ll share seven tips for discovering all there is to know 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 weigh in on your options with industry insights that are second to none.

1. What Type of HVAC System Is It?

Start by clarifying what type of HVAC system the home has. Furnaces generally last longer compared to air conditioners, and relatively new types of HVAC products like heat pumps can offer average life spans longer than ever. Knowing the make and specific model ensures you have a clear idea of how much it might cost in upkeep over time.

2. What Is the Current System’s Age?

Another good idea is to find out how old the HVAC system is when you’re looking at a potential new home. On average, HVAC systems last about 10-12 years. Having the knowledge of when it was installed helps you prepare for any needed servicing or when it might eventually stop working. Older systems may be more vulnerable to problems, so planning ahead of time for a replacement unit might be needed faster than expected.

3. Is the Warranty Active?

Check if the HVAC system is still under warranty. If it is, you’ll appreciate how it can lower maintenance costs. HVAC warranties typically include parts and labor, but specifics will vary. Review any terms that seem confusing to ensure you understand your coverage and potential 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 that information is available. This service history can reveal 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?

Finding a home that features an HVAC system with great energy efficiency can lead to lower utility bills and less of an impact on the environment. Try and find 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 higher AFUE ratings mean the fuel is efficiently converted into useable heat.

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

Even if you don’t have the know-how of an HVAC technician, you should still inspect the HVAC system yourself. Watch closely for signs of problems that weren’t mentioned by the seller or real estate agent. This includes strange noises, spots with uneven heating or cooling and attempts to hide any obvious damage.

7. Have You Sought Out Expert Advice?

If you’re unsure about the overall state of the HVAC system, it’s beneficial to get an assessment and recommendation from trained HVAC professionals. They will be much more likely to catch things you may not know about, including refrigerant leaks, damage to the wiring or damaged ductwork.

A Chat with Brookwood Inc Simplifies Your Home-Buying Journey

Selecting your first home ought to be exciting, and Brookwood Inc will do everything possible to ensure yours is too. Get in touch with us at 641-316-9803. We can talk about how our HVAC services give you peace of mind, giving you what you need to make an offer with confidence.