Buying your first home is an exhilarating experience. You’re probably juggling a dozen things or more to ensure you’re making the right choice. We believe that understanding your future HVAC system is vital. The property’s HVAC system represents a significant investment and potential source of long-term costs, which is why due diligence is important 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 pros, feel free to call Titan Heating & Air Conditioning. 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 tend to last longer compared to air conditioners, and some of the latest types of HVAC systems like heat pumps can offer average life spans that are impressively long. Knowing the make and specific model provides a clear understanding of how much routine maintenance it might need.

2. How Old Is the Current HVAC System?

It’s just as smart to learn how old the HVAC system is when you're looking at a new home. On average, HVAC systems tend to run for about 10-12 years. Having the knowledge of when it was installed helps you plan for possible repair needs or considerations if it might break down. Older systems may be more vulnerable to problems, so planning ahead of time for a replacement unit could be necessary sooner than you thought.

3. Is the Warranty Still in Effect?

Be sure to check the HVAC system is still under warranty. If it is, that's great news because it can assist with maintenance costs. HVAC warranties should take care of parts and labor, but the details in each policy will vary. Make sure you go over any terms that aren’t familiar to make sure you fully understand your coverage and any possible out-of-pocket costs.

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

Next, examine the maintenance history of the HVAC system, if this kind of history is available. This service history can reveal if the repair needs are high or how often maintenance is performed. You should at least try to track down a history of 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?

Purchasing a home with a heating and cooling system with high energy efficiency means more manageable utility bills and a smaller environmental impact. Look for the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) ratings for air conditioning along with the annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) for furnaces. Higher SEER ratings mean better cooling across the entire season, while high AFUE ratings indicate that the fuel is more effectively burned for useable heat.

6. Did You See Any Problems After Completing an Informal Inspection?

Even if you don’t have experience in HVAC systems, you should still examine the HVAC system yourself. Watch closely for any concerning items that haven't been mentioned by the seller. This can mean bizarre noises, spots with uneven heating or cooling and attempts to hide any obvious damage.

7. Is an Experienced HVAC Technician Available to Help?

If you're unsure about the current state of the HVAC system, it's never a bad idea to get an assessment and recommendation from trained HVAC professionals. They can spot things you might miss, including leaks in the refrigerant, bad electrical connections or flawed ductwork.

A Call with Titan Heating & Air Conditioning Simplifies Your Home-Buying Journey

Choosing your first home ought to be exciting, and Titan Heating & Air Conditioning will do everything possible to ensure yours is too. Reach out with us at 541-286-6617. We can talk about how our HVAC services ease your mind, giving you what you need to step into your new home with confidence.