Buying your first home is thrilling. You’re likely trying to keep track of a dozen things or more to ensure you’re making the right choice. We believe that understanding 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 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 Parker County Cooling & Heating. Our seasoned technicians can weigh in on your options with industry insights that are second to none.

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

Start by identifying what specific HVAC system the home has. Furnaces generally last longer than air conditioners, and some of the latest types of HVAC products like heat pumps feature average life spans that are even longer. Getting the details on the make and specific model gives you a clear idea of how much routine maintenance it might need.

2. What Is the Current System’s Age?

It also helps to learn how old the HVAC system is when you’re looking at a new home. For the most part, HVAC systems should survive for around 10-12 years. Knowing when it was installed helps you anticipate future maintenance needs or when it might break down. Older systems are more prone to problems, so budgeting 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, that’s great news because it can assist with maintenance expenses. HVAC warranties should take care of parts and labor, but the details in each policy will vary. Don’t forget to look into any terms you don’t recognize 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 that information is available. This kind of information 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 can indicate it received regularly scheduled tune-ups.

5. Are You Aware of the System’s 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. Check out the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) ratings for air conditioning and 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 efficiently converted into useable heat.

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

Even if you don’t have experience in HVAC systems, you should still examine the HVAC system yourself. Look for any concerning items that haven’t been mentioned by the seller. This includes strange noises, unequal airflow and attempts to hide any serious 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 a professional opinion from trained HVAC technicians. They can spot things you may not know about, such as refrigerant leaks, bad electrical connections or damaged ductwork.

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

Selecting your first home should be thrilling, and Parker County Cooling & Heating wants to ensure that doesn’t change. Get in touch with us at 817-380-5213. We can talk about how our HVAC services give you peace of mind, giving you what you need to step into your new home with confidence.