Buying your first home is exciting. You’re probably trying to keep track of numerous details to ensure you’re making the right choice. We believe that understanding your future HVAC system is crucial. The property’s HVAC system represents a substantial investment and source of potential long-term costs, which is why due diligence helps all first-time homebuyers.

In the following guide, we’ll share 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, feel free to call Woody's Sudden Service. Our seasoned technicians can weigh in on your options with industry insights you won’t find elsewhere.

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

Start by identifying what specific HVAC system the home features. Furnaces tend to last longer than air conditioners, and relatively new types of HVAC equipment like heat pumps can offer average life spans that are impressively long. Knowing the make and specific model ensures you have a clear idea of how much it might cost in upkeep over time.

2. How Long Ago Was the System Installed?

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 plan for possible repair needs or considerations if it might break down. 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 Active?

Check if the HVAC system is covered by a warranty. If it is, you’ll appreciate how it can lighten the load for maintenance costs. HVAC warranties should take care of parts and labor, but specifics will vary. Review any terms you don’t recognize to make sure you fully understand your coverage and any possible 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 service history can demonstrate if the repair needs are high or how much upkeep was provided. 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 high energy efficiency isn’t just smart; it leads to more manageable 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 the know-how of an HVAC technician, you can still take a moment to examine the HVAC system yourself. Watch closely for potential issues that weren’t mentioned by the seller or real estate agent. This can mean bizarre noises, 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 still hesitant to make an offer because of the condition of the HVAC system, it's never a bad idea to get an assessment and recommendation from experienced HVAC technicians. They are skilled at identifying things you might miss, like leaking coolant, bad electrical connections or inefficient ductwork.

A Call with Woody's Sudden Service Helps Take the Stress Out of Your Home-Buying Journey

Finding your first home is meant to be a joyful event, and Woody's Sudden Service will do everything possible to ensure it stays that way. Get in touch with us at 703-278-2036. We can go over the details about how our HVAC services help make this process smoother, giving you what you need to make an offer with confidence.