Purchasing your first home is exciting. You’re probably juggling numerous details about making the right choice. We believe that gaining insight into your future HVAC system is essential. The property’s HVAC system represents a substantial investment and potential source of long-term costs, illustrating why a detailed inspection is important for first-time homebuyers.

In the following 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 pros, consider calling Dearing's Service & Solutions. Our seasoned technicians can share details about your options with industry insights that are second to none.

1. What HVAC System Are You Working With?

Start by clarifying what specific HVAC system the home includes. Furnaces generally last longer compared to air conditioners, and relatively new types of HVAC products like heat pumps boast average life spans longer than ever. Tracking down the make and specific model ensures you have a clear idea of how much maintenance it will require.

2. What Is the Current System’s Age?

It also helps to learn how old the HVAC system is when you’re considering a new home. On average, HVAC systems tend to run for 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 are at a higher risk of problems, so fiscal planning 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, this can help with maintenance costs. HVAC warranties typically include parts and labor, but the details in each policy will vary. Review any terms you don’t recognize to make sure you fully understand your coverage and any possible out-of-pocket costs.

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

Take a close look at 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 can indicate it received regularly scheduled tune-ups.

5. Do You Know Its Energy Efficiency Ratings?

Finding a home that features an HVAC system with strong energy efficiency isn’t just smart; it leads to more manageable utility bills and less of an impact on the environment. Locate the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) ratings for air conditioning along with the annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) for furnaces. High SEER ratings mean more efficient cooling throughout the season, while higher AFUE ratings indicate that the fuel is efficiently converted into useable heat.

6. Have You Noticed Signs of Problems After Completing an Informal Inspection?

Even if you don’t have heating and cooling expertise, you should still inspect the HVAC system on your own. Keep an eye out for signs of problems that might have been overlooked. This can mean bizarre noises, unequal airflow and attempts at concealing any serious damage.

7. Have You Asked Your Local HVAC Professional?

If you’re not quite sure about the current state of the HVAC system, it’s wise to get input from certified HVAC technicians. They can spot things you might not, such as refrigerant leaks, bad electrical connections or flawed ductwork.

A Chat with Dearing's Service & Solutions Helps Take the Stress Out of Your Home-Buying Journey

Selecting your first home should be thrilling, and Dearing's Service & Solutions will do everything possible to ensure it stays that way. Reach out with us at 812-200-5844. We can talk about how our HVAC services help make this process smoother, giving you what you need to dive into home-ownership with confidence.