Purchasing your first home is exciting. You’re probably juggling a dozen things or more about making the right choice. We believe that understanding your future HVAC system is essential. The property’s HVAC system represents a significant investment and potential source of long-term costs, so being thorough helps all first-time homebuyers.

In this guide, we’ll outline 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 experts, don’t hesitate to contact Mayeuxs AC & Heating. 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 clarifying what specific HVAC system the home has. Furnaces tend to last longer than air conditioners, and relatively new types of HVAC equipment like heat pumps can offer average life spans longer than ever. Tracking down the make and specific model ensures you have a much better sense of how much maintenance it will require.

2. What Is the Current System’s Age?

Another good idea is to find out how old the HVAC system is when you’re looking at a potential new home. In general, HVAC systems last about 10-12 years. Knowing when it was installed helps you anticipate future maintenance needs or considerations if it might shut down for good. Older systems may be more vulnerable to problems, so planning ahead of time for a replacement unit might be needed faster than expected.

3. Is the Warranty Active?

Don’t forget to look into whether the HVAC system is covered by a warranty. If it is, that’s great news because it can help with maintenance expenses. HVAC warranties should take care of parts and labor, but the details in each policy will vary. Don’t forget to look into any terms you don’t recognize to make sure you fully understand your coverage and potential out-of-pocket costs.

4. When Was the Last Time It Received Maintenance?

Don’t forget to check the maintenance history of the HVAC system, if the records are available. This service history can demonstrate if the repair needs are high 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. Are You Aware of the System’s Energy Efficiency Ratings?

Selecting a system with great energy efficiency means more manageable utility bills and a smaller environmental impact. 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 illustrate that the fuel is more effectively burned for useable heat.

6. Did You See Any Problems During Your Inspection?

Even if you don’t have experience in HVAC systems, it’s still a good idea to examine the HVAC system yourself. Look 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 at concealing any visible damage.

7. Is an Experienced HVAC Technician Available to Help?

If you’re unsure about the current state of the HVAC system, it’s beneficial to get input from experienced HVAC professionals. They will be much more likely to catch things you might miss, like leaking coolant, wiring issues or damaged ductwork.

A Call with Mayeuxs AC & Heating Simplifies Your Home-Buying Journey

Choosing your first home should be thrilling, and Mayeuxs AC & Heating can ensure yours is too. Connect with us at (985) 764-2426. We can talk about how our HVAC services give you peace of mind, giving you what you need to step into your new home with confidence.