Completing the search for your first home is an exhilarating experience. You’re probably juggling a dozen things or more to ensure you’re 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, so being thorough should be a top priority for first-time homebuyers.

In this 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, consider calling Smyth Air Conditioning. Our seasoned technicians can share details about 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 includes. Furnaces generally last longer compared to air conditioners, and newer types of HVAC systems like heat pumps feature average life spans that are impressively long. Tracking down the make and specific model ensures you have a much better sense of how much maintenance it will require.

2. What Is the Current System’s Age?

Another good idea is to find out how old the HVAC system is when you're considering a new home. In general, HVAC systems last about 10-12 years. Learning its approximate installation date helps you prepare for any needed servicing or considerations if it might shut down for good. Older systems may be more vulnerable to problems, so fiscal planning 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, you’ll appreciate how it can lighten the load for maintenance expenses. HVAC warranties should take care of parts and labor, but specifics will vary. Make sure you go over any terms that aren’t familiar to ensure you understand your coverage and potential 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 reveal if the system constantly broke down or how often maintenance is performed. Ask about records for 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 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 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 efficiently converted into useable heat.

6. Can You Spot Trouble During Your Inspection?

Even if you don’t have heating and cooling expertise, you can still take a moment to check out the HVAC system on your own. Look for signs of problems that might have been overlooked. This might consist of odd sounds, stubborn patches of the house that are too hot or cold and attempts to hide any obvious damage.

7. Have You Sought Out Expert Advice?

If you're unsure about the current state of the HVAC system, it's never a bad idea to get an assessment and recommendation from experienced HVAC professionals. They will be much more likely to catch things you might not, like leaks in the refrigerant, wiring issues or flawed ductwork.

A Consultation with Smyth Air Conditioning Simplifies Your Home-Buying Journey

Choosing your first home ought to be exciting, and Smyth Air Conditioning can ensure that doesn’t change. Connect with us at 561-533-6066. We can go over the details about how our HVAC services give you peace of mind, giving you what you need to step into your new home with confidence.