Purchasing your first home is an exhilarating experience. You’re likely juggling numerous details 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 should be a top priority 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 setup. And if you want a more in-depth opinion from the experts, feel free to call Bishop’s HVAC. Our staff can help you compare your options with industry insights that are second to none.

1. What Type of HVAC System Is It?

Start by identifying what type of HVAC system the home has. Furnaces generally last longer than air conditioners, and newer types of HVAC equipment like heat pumps can offer average life spans that are impressively long. Knowing 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 also helps to learn how old the HVAC system is when you’re looking at a potential new home. In general, HVAC systems tend to run for about 10-12 years. Having the knowledge of when it was installed helps you prepare for any needed servicing or when it might break down. Older systems are at a higher risk of problems, so planning ahead of time for a replacement unit might be needed faster than expected.

3. Is the Warranty Still in Effect?

Check if the HVAC system is covered by a warranty. If it is, this 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 that aren’t familiar to ensure you understand your coverage and any possible out-of-pocket costs.

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

Don’t forget to check the maintenance history of the HVAC system, if the records are available. This kind of information can reveal if there have been regular problems or how often a tune-up was scheduled. Ask about records for key tasks such as changing the air filter, 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 strong energy efficiency isn’t just smart; it leads to smaller utility bills and a smaller environmental impact. Try and find the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) ratings for air conditioning as well as the annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) for furnaces. High SEER ratings mean more efficient cooling throughout the season, while high AFUE ratings indicate that the fuel is efficiently converted into useable heat.

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

Even without experience in HVAC systems, you should still inspect the HVAC system on your own. Look 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 visible damage.

7. Is an Experienced HVAC Technician Available to Help?

If you’re still hesitant to make an offer because of the condition of the HVAC system, it’s beneficial to get a professional opinion from trained HVAC technicians. They are skilled at identifying things you might not, such as leaking coolant, damage to the wiring or flawed ductwork.

A Chat with Bishop’s HVAC Simplifies Your Home-Buying Journey

Finding your first home is meant to be a joyful event, and Bishop’s HVAC will do everything possible to ensure yours is too. Reach out with us at 916-591-6889. We can talk about how our HVAC services ease your mind, giving you what you need to make an offer with confidence.