Buying your first home is an exhilarating experience. You’re likely juggling numerous details to ensure you’re making the right choice. We believe that gaining insight into your future HVAC system is vital. 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 this guide, we’ll outline seven tips for discovering all there is to know about a home’s heating and cooling setup. And if you want a more in-depth opinion from the experts, consider calling Mechanical Air Systems Co. Our staff can weigh in on your options with industry insights you won’t find elsewhere.

1. Which Kind of HVAC System Does the Home Use?

Start by identifying what type of HVAC system the home includes. Furnaces generally last longer than air conditioners, and newer types of HVAC products like heat pumps can offer average life spans longer than ever. Getting the details on the make and specific model ensures you have a much better sense of how much it might cost in upkeep over time.

2. What Is the Current System’s Age?

It’s just as smart to learn how old the HVAC system is when you’re looking at a potential new home. For the most part, HVAC systems tend to run for about 10-12 years. Learning its approximate installation date helps you anticipate future maintenance needs or when it might eventually stop working. Older systems are more prone to problems, so fiscal planning for a replacement unit could be necessary sooner than you thought.

3. What Does the Warranty Cover?

Be sure to check the HVAC system is covered by a warranty. If it is, this can lower maintenance costs. HVAC warranties often cover parts and labor, but specifics will vary. Don’t forget to look into any terms that seem confusing to ensure you understand your coverage and the likelihood of out-of-pocket costs.

4. When Was the Last Time It Received Maintenance?

Next, examine the maintenance history of the HVAC system, if this kind of history is available. This service history can demonstrate 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 means it enjoyed more regularly scheduled tune-ups.

5. Do You Know Its Energy Efficiency Ratings?

Selecting a system with strong energy efficiency can lead to more manageable utility bills and less of an impact on the environment. Check out 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 mean the fuel is more effectively burned for useable heat.

6. Can You Spot Trouble After Your Own Inspection?

Even without heating and cooling expertise, you should still check out the HVAC system on your own. Look 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 at concealing any serious damage.

7. Have You Sought Out Expert Advice?

If you’re not quite sure about the overall state of the HVAC system, it’s wise to get a professional opinion from trained HVAC technicians. They will be much more likely to catch things you might not, including refrigerant leaks, damage to the wiring or inefficient ductwork.

A Consultation with Mechanical Air Systems Co Helps Take the Stress Out of Your Home-Buying Journey

Finding your first home is meant to be a joyful event, and Mechanical Air Systems Co can ensure that doesn’t change. Get in touch with us at 641-243-4654. We can go over the details about how our HVAC services ease your mind, giving you what you need to make an offer with confidence.