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 crucial. The property’s HVAC system represents a substantial investment and potential source of long-term costs, illustrating why a detailed inspection is important for 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 more in-depth opinion from the experts, feel free to call McPherson Quality Air & Plumbing. Our seasoned technicians can weigh in on your options with industry insights you won’t find elsewhere.

1. What HVAC System Are You Working With?

Start by clarifying what kind of HVAC system the home has. Furnaces generally last longer than air conditioners, and relatively new types of HVAC products like heat pumps boast average life spans longer than ever. Getting the details on the make and specific model ensures you have a much better sense of how much maintenance it will require.

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. For the most part, HVAC systems tend to run for about 10-12 years. Learning its approximate installation date helps you prepare for any needed servicing or when it might break down. Older systems may be more vulnerable to problems, so budgeting for a replacement unit might be needed faster than expected.

3. What Does the Warranty Cover?

Check if the HVAC system is still under warranty. If it is, you’ll appreciate how it can lighten the load for maintenance expenses. HVAC warranties typically include parts and labor, but it’s important to note that details will vary. Make sure you go over any terms that aren’t familiar to make sure you fully understand your coverage and the likelihood of out-of-pocket costs.

4. When Was the Last Time It Received Maintenance?

Take a close look at the maintenance history of the HVAC system, if that information is available. This kind of information can demonstrate 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 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 high energy efficiency can lead to more manageable utility bills and less of an impact on the environment. Try and find the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) ratings for air conditioning as well as the annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) for furnaces. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the cooling over the whole season, while higher AFUE ratings illustrate that the fuel is more effectively burned for useable heat.

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

Even if you don’t have heating and cooling expertise, you should still check out the HVAC system on your own. Watch closely for potential issues that weren’t mentioned by the seller or real estate agent. This might consist of odd sounds, spots with uneven heating or cooling and attempts at concealing any obvious damage.

7. Have You Asked Your Local HVAC Professional?

If you’re still hesitant to make an offer because of the current state of the HVAC system, it’s wise to get input from trained HVAC technicians. They are skilled at identifying things you might not, like refrigerant leaks, damage to the wiring or inefficient ductwork.

A Call with McPherson Quality Air & Plumbing Simplifies Your Home-Buying Journey

Selecting your first home ought to be exciting, and McPherson Quality Air & Plumbing wants to ensure yours is too. Get in touch with us at 620-209-5030. We can talk about how our HVAC services help make this process smoother, giving you what you need to dive into home-ownership with confidence.