Buying your first home is an exhilarating experience. You’re likely trying to keep track of 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 substantial investment and potential source of long-term costs, so being thorough should be a top priority for first-time homebuyers.

In this 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, don’t hesitate to contact Bell Air Conditioning Inc. Our seasoned technicians can share details about your options with industry insights you won’t find elsewhere.

1. What Type of HVAC System Is It?

Start by identifying what type of HVAC system the home has. Furnaces tend to last longer than air conditioners, and newer types of HVAC systems like heat pumps can offer average life spans longer than ever. Knowing the make and specific model provides a much better sense of how much it might cost in upkeep over time.

2. What Is the Current System’s Age?

Another good idea is to find out how old the HVAC system is when you’re looking at a new home. For the most part, HVAC systems last about 10-12 years. Learning its approximate installation date helps you plan for possible repair needs or considerations if it might shut down for good. Older systems may be more vulnerable to problems, so fiscal planning for a replacement unit might be needed faster than expected.

3. What Does the Warranty Cover?

Be sure to check the HVAC system is still under warranty. If it is, you’ll appreciate how it can lower maintenance costs. HVAC warranties should take care of parts and labor, but specifics will vary. Review any terms that seem confusing to make sure you fully understand your coverage and the likelihood of out-of-pocket costs.

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

Don’t forget to check the maintenance history of the HVAC system, if the records are accessible. 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 such as changing the air filter, which is a positive sign indicating regularly scheduled tune-ups.

5. Are You Aware of the System’s Energy Efficiency Ratings?

Selecting a system with great energy efficiency can lead to lower 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 illustrate that the fuel is efficiently converted into useable heat.

6. Did You See Any Problems During Your Inspection?

Even without the know-how of an HVAC technician, you can still take a moment to inspect the HVAC system on your own. Watch closely for any concerning items that weren’t mentioned by the seller or real estate agent. This includes strange noises, stubborn patches of the house that are too hot or cold and attempts to hide any visible damage.

7. Is an Experienced HVAC Technician Available to Help?

If you’re unsure about the condition of the HVAC system, it’s never a bad idea to get an assessment and recommendation from certified HVAC technicians. They will be much more likely to catch things you might not, like leaks in the refrigerant, bad electrical connections or damaged ductwork.

A Consultation with Bell Air Conditioning Inc Simplifies Your Home-Buying Journey

Selecting your first home should be thrilling, and Bell Air Conditioning Inc can ensure that doesn’t change. Get in touch with us at 254-307-9572. We can go over the details about how our HVAC services give you peace of mind, giving you what you need to make an offer with confidence.