Buying 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 potential new HVAC system is vital. 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 outline 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 pros, don't hesitate to contact Ameri-Tec. Our seasoned technicians can help you compare your options with industry insights you won’t find elsewhere.

1. What HVAC System Are You Working With?

Start by identifying what kind of HVAC system the home includes. Furnaces tend to last longer compared to air conditioners, and newer types of HVAC equipment like heat pumps boast average life spans longer than ever. Getting the details on the make and specific model provides a clear idea 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 potential new home. On average, HVAC systems tend to run for about 10-12 years. Having the knowledge of when it was installed helps you plan for possible repair needs or when it might shut down for good. Older systems are more prone to problems, so fiscal planning for a replacement unit could be necessary sooner than you thought.

3. Is the Warranty Active?

Don’t forget to look into whether the HVAC system is covered by a warranty. If it is, that's great news because it 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 aren’t familiar to ensure you understand your coverage and the likelihood of out-of-pocket costs.

4. When Was the Last Time It Received Maintenance?

Don't forget to check the maintenance history of the HVAC system, if such information is accessible. This kind of information 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 is a positive sign indicating regularly scheduled tune-ups.

5. Are You Aware of the System’s Energy Efficiency Ratings?

Purchasing a home with a heating and cooling system with strong energy efficiency isn’t just smart; it leads to lower utility bills and less of an impact on the environment. Try and find 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 high AFUE ratings illustrate that the fuel is more effectively burned for useable heat.

6. Have You Noticed Signs of Problems After Completing an Informal Inspection?

Even without heating and cooling expertise, you should still inspect the HVAC system yourself. Watch closely for signs of problems that might have been overlooked. This can mean bizarre noises, stubborn patches of the house that are too hot or cold and attempts at concealing any serious damage.

7. Have You Sought Out Expert Advice?

If you're not quite sure about the current state of the HVAC system, it's never a bad idea to get an assessment and recommendation from trained HVAC technicians. They will be much more likely to catch things you may not know about, such as refrigerant leaks, wiring issues or inefficient ductwork.

A Consultation with Ameri-Tec Helps Take the Stress Out of Your Home-Buying Journey

Choosing your first home ought to be exciting, and Ameri-Tec can ensure that doesn’t change. Connect with us at 717-479-4950. We can discuss how our HVAC services ease your mind, giving you what you need to make an offer with confidence.