Buying your first home is exciting. You’re probably juggling numerous details about making the right choice. We believe that understanding your future HVAC system is crucial. The property’s HVAC system represents a significant investment and potential source of long-term costs, so being thorough helps all first-time homebuyers.

In this 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 more in-depth opinion from the experts, consider calling JTech Mechanical. Our experienced team can weigh in on your options with industry insights you won’t find elsewhere.

1. What HVAC System Are You Working With?

Start by clarifying what type of HVAC system the home includes. Furnaces tend to last longer compared to air conditioners, and relatively new types of HVAC products like heat pumps can offer average life spans longer than ever. Getting the details on the make and specific model provides a much better sense of how much maintenance it will require.

2. How Old Is the Current HVAC System?

It’s just as smart to learn how old the HVAC system is when you’re looking at a new home. In general, HVAC systems should survive for around 10-12 years. Having the knowledge of when it was installed helps you plan for possible repair needs or when it might shut down for good. Older systems are at a higher risk of problems, so fiscal planning for a replacement unit could be necessary sooner than you thought.

3. Does the System Have a Warranty?

Be sure to check the HVAC system is still under warranty. If it is, you’ll appreciate how it can lighten the load for maintenance expenses. HVAC warranties typically include parts and labor, but it’s important to note that details will vary. Make sure you go over any terms that seem confusing to ensure you 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 service history can demonstrate if the system constantly broke down or how often maintenance is performed. 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 great energy efficiency isn’t just smart; it leads to more manageable utility bills and a smaller environmental impact. Look for the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) ratings for air conditioning as well as the annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) for furnaces. High SEER ratings mean more efficient cooling throughout the season, while strong AFUE ratings indicate that the fuel is efficiently converted into useable heat.

6. Did You See Any Problems After Your Own Inspection?

Even if you don’t have the know-how of an HVAC technician, it’s still a good idea to inspect the HVAC system yourself. Look for any concerning items that might have been overlooked. This can mean bizarre noises, unequal airflow and attempts to cover up any obvious damage.

7. Have You Sought Out Expert Advice?

If you’re still hesitant to make an offer because of the overall state of the HVAC system, it’s beneficial to get input from experienced HVAC professionals. They are skilled at identifying things you might not, including leaks in the refrigerant, bad electrical connections or damaged ductwork.

A Chat with JTech Mechanical Simplifies Your Home-Buying Journey

Selecting your first home ought to be exciting, and JTech Mechanical wants to ensure that doesn’t change. Connect with us at 281-231-8768. We can talk about how our HVAC services help make this process smoother, giving you what you need to make an offer with confidence.