Purchasing your first home is thrilling. You’re likely trying to keep track of a dozen things or more about making the right choice. We believe that understanding your future HVAC system is crucial. 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 the following guide, we’ll outline seven tips for learning everything you can about a home’s heating and cooling system. And if you want a deeper opinion from the pros, feel free to call J & J Air Conditioning. Our staff can help you compare your options with industry insights you won’t find elsewhere.

1. What HVAC System Are You Working With?

Start by determining what specific HVAC system the home has. Furnaces tend to last longer compared to air conditioners, and some of the latest types of HVAC products like heat pumps feature average life spans that are impressively long. Getting the details on the make and specific model ensures you have a clear understanding of how much routine maintenance it might need.

2. How Old Is the Current HVAC System?

It’s just as smart to learn how old the HVAC system is when you’re looking at a potential new home. In general, HVAC systems tend to run for about 10-12 years. Learning its approximate installation date helps you plan for possible repair needs or when it might eventually stop working. 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 still under warranty. If it is, this can assist with maintenance costs. HVAC warranties typically include parts and labor, but it’s important to note that details will vary. Don’t forget to look into any terms you don’t recognize to ensure you 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 this kind of history is available. This service history can reveal if the system constantly broke down or how often a tune-up was scheduled. Ask about records for key tasks like filter changes, which means it enjoyed more 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 isn’t just smart; it leads to more manageable utility bills and a smaller environmental impact. Look for 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 strong AFUE ratings mean the fuel is efficiently converted into useable heat.

6. Can You Spot Trouble After Your Own Inspection?

Even without the know-how of an HVAC technician, you can still take a moment to inspect the HVAC system on your own. Look 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 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 certified HVAC professionals. They can spot things you might miss, like refrigerant leaks, bad electrical connections or flawed ductwork.

A Call with J & J Air Conditioning Simplifies Your Home-Buying Journey

Choosing your first home is meant to be a joyful event, and J & J Air Conditioning will do everything possible to ensure it stays that way. Connect with us at 254-355-3833. 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.