Purchasing your first home is exciting. You’re probably trying to keep track of a dozen things or more 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 source of potential long-term costs, illustrating why a detailed inspection should be a top priority for first-time homebuyers.

In the following 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, feel free to call LTS Plumbing & Heating Inc.. Our staff can share details about your options with industry insights that are second to none.

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

Start by determining what kind of HVAC system the home includes. Furnaces tend to last longer than air conditioners, and some of the latest types of HVAC products like heat pumps can offer average life spans longer than ever. Knowing the make and specific model ensures you have a much better sense of how much routine maintenance it might need.

2. What Is the Current System’s Age?

Another good idea is to find out how old the HVAC system is when you’re considering a potential new home. On average, HVAC systems tend to run for 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 budgeting 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, you’ll appreciate how it can lighten the load for maintenance expenses. HVAC warranties should take care of parts and labor, but the details in each policy will vary. Review any terms that aren’t familiar to ensure you understand your coverage and any possible out-of-pocket costs.

4. Does the System Have a Documented Maintenance History?

Next, examine the maintenance history of the HVAC system, if this kind of history is accessible. This service history can demonstrate if the repair needs are high or how often maintenance is performed. 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. What Are the Energy Efficiency Ratings?

Purchasing a home with a heating and cooling system with strong 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 as well as the annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) for furnaces. High SEER ratings mean more efficient cooling throughout the season, while higher AFUE ratings mean the fuel is more effectively burned for useable heat.

6. Did You See Any Problems After Completing an Informal Inspection?

Even if you don’t have heating and cooling expertise, you can still take a moment to inspect the HVAC system on your own. Keep an eye out for any concerning items that weren’t mentioned by the seller or real estate agent. This might consist of odd sounds, stubborn patches of the house that are too hot or cold and attempts to hide any serious damage.

7. Have You Sought Out Expert Advice?

If you’re still hesitant to make an offer because of the current state of the HVAC system, it’s wise to get a professional opinion from trained HVAC technicians. They can spot things you may not know about, such as leaks in the refrigerant, bad electrical connections or flawed ductwork.

A Call with LTS Plumbing & Heating Inc. Helps Take the Stress Out of Your Home-Buying Journey

Choosing your first home should be thrilling, and LTS Plumbing & Heating Inc. will do everything possible to ensure yours is too. Connect with us at 570-648-0748. We can discuss how our HVAC services help make this process smoother, giving you what you need to step into your new home with confidence.