Buying your first home is exciting. You’re likely juggling numerous details 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, illustrating why a detailed inspection should be a top priority for first-time homebuyers.

In this guide, we’ll share seven tips for learning everything you can about a home’s heating and cooling setup. And if you want a deeper opinion from the pros, consider calling May's Heating & Air. Our seasoned technicians can help you compare your options with industry insights you won’t find elsewhere.

1. What Type of HVAC System Is It?

Start by clarifying 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 can offer average life spans longer than ever. Tracking down the make and specific model ensures you have a clear idea of how much maintenance it will require.

2. How Long Ago Was the System Installed?

It’s just as smart 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 plan for possible repair needs or when it might shut down for good. 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?

Check if the HVAC system is still under warranty. If it is, that’s great news because it can assist with maintenance costs. HVAC warranties should take care of parts and labor, but it’s important to note that details will vary. Make sure you go over any terms you don’t recognize to ensure you understand your coverage and potential out-of-pocket costs.

4. Does the System Have a Documented Maintenance History?

Don’t forget to check the maintenance history of the HVAC system, if this kind of history is available. This service history can reveal if there have been regular problems or how often a tune-up was scheduled. Inquire about key tasks like filter changes, which means it enjoyed more regularly scheduled tune-ups.

5. What Are the Energy Efficiency Ratings?

Finding a home that features an HVAC system with high energy efficiency isn’t just smart; it leads to lower 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. Higher SEER ratings mean better cooling across the entire season, while higher AFUE ratings mean the fuel is efficiently converted into useable heat.

6. Can You Spot Trouble After Completing an Informal Inspection?

Even without experience in HVAC systems, you can still take a moment to inspect the HVAC system on your own. Look for signs of problems that haven’t been mentioned by the seller. This might consist of odd sounds, stubborn patches of the house that are too hot or cold and attempts to hide any visible 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 might not, such as leaks in the refrigerant, bad electrical connections or flawed ductwork.

A Call with May's Heating & Air Simplifies Your Home-Buying Journey

Selecting your first home should be thrilling, and May's Heating & Air wants to ensure it stays that way. Reach out with us at 301-690-0397. We can discuss how our HVAC services ease your mind, giving you what you need to dive into home-ownership with confidence.