Purchasing your first home is an exhilarating experience. You’re probably juggling numerous details about making the right choice. We believe that gaining insight into your potential new HVAC system is essential. The property’s HVAC system represents a significant investment and source of potential long-term costs, so being thorough helps all first-time homebuyers.

In this guide, we’ll share seven tips for learning everything you can about a home’s heating and cooling setup. And if you want a more in-depth opinion from the pros, consider calling Alpine Summit Heating & Cooling. 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 clarifying what type of HVAC system the home has. Furnaces generally last longer compared to air conditioners, and newer types of HVAC equipment like heat pumps feature 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?

It also helps to learn how old the HVAC system is when you’re looking at a new home. In general, 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 are at a higher risk of problems, so fiscal planning for a replacement unit might be needed faster than expected.

3. What Does the Warranty Cover?

Don’t forget to look into whether the HVAC system is still under warranty. If it is, this can lower maintenance expenses. HVAC warranties typically include parts and labor, but the details in each policy will vary. Don’t forget to look into any terms that seem confusing to make sure you fully 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 available. This kind of information can demonstrate if the repair needs are high or how often a tune-up was scheduled. Ask about records for key tasks like filter changes, which can indicate it received regularly scheduled tune-ups.

5. What Are the Energy Efficiency Ratings?

Selecting a system with high energy efficiency isn’t just smart; it leads to more manageable 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 high AFUE ratings indicate that the fuel is efficiently converted into useable heat.

6. Have You Noticed Signs of Problems During Your Inspection?

Even if you don’t have the know-how of an HVAC technician, it’s still a good idea to check out the HVAC system yourself. Keep an eye out for signs of problems that might have been overlooked. This might consist of odd sounds, 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 not quite sure about the condition of the HVAC system, it’s wise to get an assessment and recommendation from experienced HVAC professionals. They will be much more likely to catch things you may not know about, including leaks in the refrigerant, wiring issues or inefficient ductwork.

A Chat with Alpine Summit Heating & Cooling Helps Take the Stress Out of Your Home-Buying Journey

Finding your first home is meant to be a joyful event, and Alpine Summit Heating & Cooling wants to ensure that doesn’t change. Get in touch with us at 208-561-1226. We can discuss how our HVAC services give you peace of mind, giving you what you need to dive into home-ownership with confidence.