Purchasing your first home is an exhilarating experience. You’re likely trying to keep track of a dozen things or more about making the right choice. We believe that understanding your potential new HVAC system is vital. The property’s HVAC system represents a substantial investment and source of potential long-term costs, illustrating why a detailed inspection 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 setup. And if you want a deeper opinion from the pros, feel free to call Ohler & Holzhauer Inc.. Our experienced team can help you compare your options with industry insights that are second to none.

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

Start by identifying what specific HVAC system the home has. Furnaces generally last longer compared to air conditioners, and relatively new types of HVAC systems like heat pumps feature average life spans that are impressively long. Tracking down the make and specific model gives you a clear understanding 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. Knowing when it was installed helps you anticipate future maintenance needs or when it might shut down for good. Older systems are at a higher risk of problems, so budgeting for a replacement unit could be necessary sooner than you thought.

3. Is the Warranty Still in Effect?

Check if the HVAC system is covered by a warranty. If it is, you’ll appreciate how it can lighten the load for maintenance expenses. HVAC warranties often cover parts and labor, but specifics will vary. Review any terms you don’t recognize to make sure you fully understand your coverage and potential out-of-pocket costs.

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

Take a close look at the maintenance history of the HVAC system, if that information is available. This service history can reveal if there have been regular problems or how often maintenance is performed. You should at least try to track down a history of 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?

Purchasing a home with a heating and cooling system with strong energy efficiency can lead to more manageable utility bills and a smaller environmental impact. Try and find the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) ratings for air conditioning and 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 indicate that the fuel is more effectively burned for useable heat.

6. Can You Spot Trouble After Your Own Inspection?

Even without heating and cooling expertise, you should still examine the HVAC system on your own. Keep an eye out for signs of problems that weren’t mentioned by the seller or real estate agent. This can mean bizarre noises, spots with uneven heating or cooling and attempts at concealing any obvious damage.

7. Have You Asked Your Local HVAC Professional?

If you’re unsure about the overall state of the HVAC system, it’s never a bad idea to get input from experienced HVAC technicians. They will be much more likely to catch things you may not know about, like refrigerant leaks, wiring issues or damaged ductwork.

A Call with Ohler & Holzhauer Inc. Helps Take the Stress Out of Your Home-Buying Journey

Selecting your first home is meant to be a joyful event, and Ohler & Holzhauer Inc. can ensure yours is too. Get in touch with us at 419-465-8722. We can discuss how our HVAC services give you peace of mind, giving you what you need to step into your new home with confidence.