Purchasing your first home is an exhilarating experience. 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 potential source of long-term costs, so being thorough is important for first-time homebuyers.

In this guide, we’ll outline seven tips for discovering all there is to know about a home’s heating and cooling system. And if you want a more in-depth opinion from the pros, consider calling Bigfoot Mechanical. Our seasoned technicians can weigh in on your options with industry insights that are second to none.

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

Start by determining what type of HVAC system the home includes. Furnaces generally last longer than air conditioners, and newer types of HVAC systems like heat pumps can offer average life spans that are even longer. Tracking down the make and specific model gives you a much better sense of how much maintenance it will require.

2. What Is the Current System’s Age?

It’s just as smart to learn how old the HVAC system is when you're considering a new home. For the most part, HVAC systems last about 10-12 years. Knowing when it was installed helps you anticipate future maintenance needs or considerations if it might break down. 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?

Don’t forget to look into whether the HVAC system is still under warranty. If it is, this can assist with maintenance expenses. HVAC warranties often cover parts and labor, but it's important to note that details will vary. Review any terms you don’t recognize to ensure you understand your coverage and the likelihood of out-of-pocket costs.

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

Next, examine the maintenance history of the HVAC system, if this kind of history is accessible. This service history can reveal if there have been regular problems 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. Are You Aware of the System’s Energy Efficiency Ratings?

Finding a home that features an HVAC system with great energy efficiency isn’t just smart; it leads 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. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the cooling over the whole season, while strong AFUE ratings indicate 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 the know-how of an HVAC technician, it's still a good idea 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 can mean bizarre noises, stubborn patches of the house that are too hot or cold and attempts to hide any obvious 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 input from experienced HVAC professionals. They are skilled at identifying things you may not know about, including refrigerant leaks, damage to the wiring or damaged ductwork.

A Consultation with Bigfoot Mechanical Helps Take the Stress Out of Your Home-Buying Journey

Choosing your first home is meant to be a joyful event, and Bigfoot Mechanical can ensure it stays that way. Get in touch with us at 509-392-8770. We can discuss how our HVAC services ease your mind, giving you what you need to step into your new home with confidence.