Buying your first home is thrilling. You’re likely juggling numerous details 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 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 pros, feel free to call I-Deal HVAC. 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 identifying what type of HVAC system the home includes. Furnaces generally last longer compared to air conditioners, and some of the latest types of HVAC equipment like heat pumps feature average life spans that are even longer. Knowing 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 potential new home. For the most part, HVAC systems should survive for around 10-12 years. Having the knowledge of when it was installed helps you anticipate future maintenance needs or considerations if it might eventually stop working. Older systems may be more vulnerable to problems, so budgeting for a replacement unit might be needed faster than expected.

3. Is the Warranty Active?

Be sure to check the HVAC system is covered by a warranty. If it is, you’ll appreciate how 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 seem confusing to make sure you fully understand your coverage and potential out-of-pocket costs.

4. Does the System Have a Documented Maintenance History?

Take a close look at the maintenance history of the HVAC system, if such information is accessible. This kind of information can reveal 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 like filter changes, which can indicate it received 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 means lower utility bills and a smaller environmental impact. Locate 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. Have You Noticed Signs of Problems After Your Own Inspection?

Even if you don’t have heating and cooling expertise, you can still take a moment to inspect the HVAC system yourself. Keep an eye out for any concerning items that haven't been mentioned by the seller. This can mean bizarre noises, spots with uneven heating or cooling and attempts at concealing any visible 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 never a bad idea to get an assessment and recommendation from trained HVAC technicians. They will be much more likely to catch things you might miss, like refrigerant leaks, bad electrical connections or inefficient ductwork.

A Call with I-Deal HVAC Simplifies Your Home-Buying Journey

Choosing your first home ought to be exciting, and I-Deal HVAC will do everything possible to ensure that doesn’t change. Connect with us at 505-317-9598. 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.