Purchasing your first home is an exhilarating experience. You’re likely juggling numerous details about making the right choice. We believe that gaining insight into your future HVAC system is crucial. The property’s HVAC system represents a significant 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 discovering all there is to know about a home’s heating and cooling system. And if you want a deeper opinion from the experts, feel free to call Ilten's. Our staff 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 type of HVAC system the home includes. Furnaces tend to last longer compared to air conditioners, and some of the latest types of HVAC equipment like heat pumps can offer average life spans that are impressively long. Tracking down the make and specific model provides a much better sense of how much routine maintenance it might need.

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. On average, HVAC systems last about 10-12 years. Learning its approximate installation date helps you plan for possible repair needs or when it might break down. Older systems may be more vulnerable to problems, so planning ahead of time for a replacement unit might be needed faster than expected.

3. Does the System Have a Warranty?

Don’t forget to look into whether the HVAC system is still under warranty. If it is, this can lower maintenance expenses. HVAC warranties often cover parts and labor, but specifics 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. Has the System Ever Been Professionally Serviced or Maintained?

Take a close look at the maintenance history of the HVAC system, if the records are accessible. This kind of information can demonstrate if the repair needs are high or how often a tune-up was scheduled. Inquire about key tasks such as changing the air filter, which can indicate it received regularly scheduled tune-ups.

5. What Are the Energy Efficiency Ratings?

Selecting a system with strong energy efficiency means lower utility bills and less of an impact on the environment. Check out the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) ratings for air conditioning and 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 mean the fuel is efficiently converted into useable heat.

6. Did You See Any Problems During Your Inspection?

Even without the know-how of an HVAC technician, you should still examine the HVAC system yourself. Look for signs of problems that might have been overlooked. This includes strange noises, spots with uneven heating or cooling and attempts at concealing any visible damage.

7. Have You Asked Your Local HVAC Professional?

If you’re unsure about the overall state of the HVAC system, it’s beneficial to get an assessment and recommendation from trained HVAC professionals. They will be much more likely to catch things you might miss, such as leaks in the refrigerant, wiring issues or inefficient ductwork.

A Chat with Ilten's Helps Take the Stress Out of Your Home-Buying Journey

Selecting your first home is meant to be a joyful event, and Ilten's will do everything possible to ensure that doesn’t change. Connect with us at 319-208-2351. We can go over the details about how our HVAC services ease your mind, giving you what you need to step into your new home with confidence.