Buying your first home is an exhilarating experience. You’re likely juggling a dozen things or more to ensure you’re making the right choice. We believe that gaining insight into your potential new HVAC system is essential. The property’s HVAC system represents a significant investment and potential source of long-term costs, which is why due diligence helps all first-time homebuyers.

In this guide, we’ll share seven tips for discovering all there is to know about a home’s heating and cooling system. And if you want a deeper opinion from the pros, don't hesitate to contact Parker County Cooling & Heating. Our seasoned technicians can help you compare your options with industry insights you won’t find elsewhere.

1. What HVAC System Are You Working With?

Start by clarifying what kind of HVAC system the home features. Furnaces generally last longer than air conditioners, and some of the latest types of HVAC systems like heat pumps can offer average life spans that are even longer. Getting the details on the make and specific model gives you a much better sense of how much it might cost in upkeep over time.

2. How Old Is the Current HVAC System?

Another good idea is to find out how old the HVAC system is when you're looking at a potential new home. For the most part, HVAC systems should survive for around 10-12 years. Learning its approximate installation date 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 might be needed faster than expected.

3. Is the Warranty Active?

Be sure to check the HVAC system is still under warranty. If it is, that's great news because it can help with maintenance costs. 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 make sure you fully understand your coverage and potential out-of-pocket costs.

4. When Was the Last Time It Received Maintenance?

Take a close look at the maintenance history of the HVAC system, if the records are accessible. 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 such as changing the air filter, which means it enjoyed more regularly scheduled tune-ups.

5. Do You Know Its Energy Efficiency Ratings?

Selecting a system with high energy efficiency means smaller utility bills and less of an impact on the environment. Locate 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 high AFUE ratings indicate that the fuel is efficiently converted into useable heat.

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

Even if you don’t have the know-how of an HVAC technician, you should still examine the HVAC system on your own. Watch closely for any concerning items that weren’t mentioned by the seller or real estate agent. This might consist of odd sounds, stubborn patches of the house that are too hot or cold and attempts at concealing any visible damage.

7. Have You Sought Out Expert Advice?

If you're unsure about the current state of the HVAC system, it's wise to get input from trained HVAC technicians. They can spot things you may not know about, like leaks in the refrigerant, damage to the wiring or damaged ductwork.

A Chat with Parker County Cooling & Heating Helps Take the Stress Out of Your Home-Buying Journey

Choosing your first home is meant to be a joyful event, and Parker County Cooling & Heating wants to ensure that doesn’t change. Get in touch with us at 817-380-5213. We can talk about how our HVAC services give you peace of mind, giving you what you need to make an offer with confidence.