Buying your first home is thrilling. You’re probably trying to keep track of a dozen things or more to ensure you’re making the right choice. We believe that understanding your potential new HVAC system is vital. The property’s HVAC system represents a significant investment and source of potential long-term costs, illustrating why a detailed inspection is important for 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 deeper opinion from the pros, consider calling Silver Fox Cooling & Heating. Our seasoned technicians can help you compare your options with industry insights that are second to none.

1. What HVAC System Are You Working With?

Start by identifying what type of HVAC system the home includes. Furnaces tend to last longer than air conditioners, and some of the latest types of HVAC systems like heat pumps can offer average life spans longer than ever. Tracking down the make and specific model gives you a much better sense of how much routine maintenance it might need.

2. How Old Is the Current HVAC System?

It also helps to learn how old the HVAC system is when you’re considering a potential new home. On average, HVAC systems last about 10-12 years. Having the knowledge of when it was installed helps you anticipate future maintenance needs or when it might break down. Older systems may be more vulnerable to problems, so fiscal planning for a replacement unit could be necessary sooner than you thought.

3. Is the Warranty Active?

Don’t forget to look into whether 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 the details in each policy will vary. Make sure you go over any terms that aren’t familiar to ensure you understand your coverage and the likelihood of out-of-pocket costs.

4. Has the System Ever Been Professionally Serviced or Maintained?

Next, examine the maintenance history of the HVAC system, if the records are accessible. This service history 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 such as changing the air filter, which is a positive sign indicating regularly scheduled tune-ups.

5. Do You Know Its Energy Efficiency Ratings?

Purchasing a home with a heating and cooling system with high energy efficiency isn’t just smart; it leads to more manageable 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. Higher SEER ratings mean better cooling across the entire season, while strong AFUE ratings indicate that the fuel is more effectively burned for useable heat.

6. Can You Spot Trouble After Your Own Inspection?

Even without experience in HVAC systems, you can still take a moment to examine the HVAC system on your own. Look for signs of problems that haven’t been mentioned by the seller. This can mean bizarre noises, stubborn patches of the house that are too hot or cold and attempts to hide any serious damage.

7. Is an Experienced HVAC Technician Available to Help?

If you’re unsure about the condition of the HVAC system, it’s never a bad idea to get input from trained HVAC technicians. They are skilled at identifying things you might not, such as refrigerant leaks, bad electrical connections or damaged ductwork.

A Call with Silver Fox Cooling & Heating Helps Take the Stress Out of Your Home-Buying Journey

Choosing your first home should be thrilling, and Silver Fox Cooling & Heating wants to ensure it stays that way. Connect with us at 949-377-0183. We can discuss how our HVAC services give you peace of mind, giving you what you need to step into your new home with confidence.