Buying your first home is an exhilarating experience. You’re likely trying to keep track of a dozen things or more about making the right choice. We believe that understanding your potential new HVAC system is vital. The property’s HVAC system represents a substantial investment and source of potential long-term costs, which is why due diligence helps all 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 experts, consider calling Stephen Hurst Pack Heating and Cooling. Our staff can help you compare your options with industry insights that are second to none.

1. What Type of HVAC System Is It?

Start by determining what type of HVAC system the home includes. Furnaces tend to last longer compared to air conditioners, and relatively new types of HVAC products like heat pumps feature average life spans that are even longer. Knowing the make and specific model gives you a clear understanding of how much it might cost in upkeep over time.

2. How Long Ago Was the System Installed?

It also helps to learn how old the HVAC system is when you're looking at a new home. In general, HVAC systems should survive for around 10-12 years. Knowing when it was installed helps you anticipate future maintenance needs or when it might eventually stop working. Older systems are more prone to problems, so planning ahead of time 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 covered by a warranty. If it is, this can lower maintenance expenses. HVAC warranties typically include parts and labor, but the details in each policy will vary. Make sure you go over any terms you don’t recognize to make sure you fully understand your coverage and any possible out-of-pocket costs.

4. When Was the Last Time It Received Maintenance?

Don't forget to check the maintenance history of the HVAC system, if this kind of history is available. This kind of information 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 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 means 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 higher AFUE ratings indicate that the fuel is efficiently converted into useable heat.

6. Can You Spot Trouble During Your Inspection?

Even if you don’t have heating and cooling expertise, you can still take a moment to check out the HVAC system yourself. Watch closely for potential issues that might have been overlooked. This can mean bizarre noises, spots with uneven heating or cooling and attempts to cover up any serious damage.

7. Have You Asked Your Local HVAC Professional?

If you're unsure about the overall state of the HVAC system, it's never a bad idea to get an assessment and recommendation from trained HVAC technicians. They are skilled at identifying things you may not know about, like leaks in the refrigerant, damage to the wiring or damaged ductwork.

A Consultation with Stephen Hurst Pack Heating and Cooling Simplifies Your Home-Buying Journey

Finding your first home should be thrilling, and Stephen Hurst Pack Heating and Cooling will do everything possible to ensure it stays that way. Reach out with us at 740-474-5940. We can talk about how our HVAC services give you peace of mind, giving you what you need to dive into home-ownership with confidence.