8 Things to Ask About the HVAC System Before Buying a New Home

If you are in the market for a new home, you may have noticed that sellers do a good job of covering up “fixer-uppers.” Buying an imperfect house is great, but make sure you know what you’re getting into by asking some key questions about the home’s HVAC system.

Questions You Should Ask About a Home’s HVAC System Before Buying

If a home’s HVAC system needs to be replaced, it’s best to know that upfront. This prevents any surprise breakdowns or expenses from catching you off guard once you have moved into the home. Generally speaking, you should ask the seller the following 8 questions about a home’s HVAC system.

1. How old is the HVAC system?

If the HVAC system is more than 15 or 20 years old, you can count on replacing it soon. Make sure you add this expense to the overall cost of the home.

2. How old is the home?

If no one knows exactly how old the HVAC system is, ask about the age of the home instead.

3. What type of system is it?

Is the HVAC system high-quality or low-quality? Is it brand-name? Is it energy-efficient? A low-quality system, even if not past its lifespan, might need to be replaced sooner rather than later.

4. What is the HVAC system’s SEER rating?

The SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) rating applies to conditioners and evaluates the energy to output ratio. In other words, how much energy is being used to produce a certain amount of cooling?

5. What is the HVAC system’s AFUE rating?

The AFUE (annual fuel utilization efficiency) rating applies to furnaces. It describes how much fuel is used to produce a certain amount of heat.

6. Did the system receive regular HVAC maintenance?

A well-serviced HVAC system always lasts longer than a poorly-maintained system.

7. What is the system’s HVAC warranty?

If the system is still under warranty, it’s probably still in fairly good shape.

8. What is the average monthly cost for heating and cooling?

If the monthly cost of an HVAC system is above average, it might be a better long-term investment to get a new one.

HVAC System Maintenance Tips for the New Homeowner

Whether the answers to the above questions are good or not, every homeowner needs to know how to care for their HVAC system. Heating and cooling play a large role in monthly utilities, and proper HVAC maintenance can help you see a good return on your investment. To save money and increase your system’s lifespan, take the following steps.

1. Replace the system if necessary.

If the system is too old and outdated, it will save money, in the long run, to replace it entirely. This prevents you from losing money on short-term repairs that will only end in a replacement anyway.

2. Change air filters regularly.

Your air filter plays a huge role in helping your HVAC system function properly. It also ensures that the air circulating through your home is free of airborne allergens and pollutants. Change your air filter often, and make sure the filter is high-quality.

3. Clean everything often.

It’s a good idea to occasionally clean out your vents, as well as to wipe down your system. Keep the HVAC area cleared out for easy access.

4. Schedule professional tune-ups.

The best way to take care of your HVAC system is to schedule annual tune-ups by a professional. Your licensed HVAC technician will thoroughly clean and inspect the system, making repairs as necessary.

Schedule Your Tune-Up with ABE Heating & Cooling Today!

As a licensed Rheem dealer, we can introduce you to some of the most energy-efficient and cost-effective systems currently available on the market. ABE Heating and Cooling offers great products with iron-clad warranties and superior installation services, all at manageable prices suitable for any budget. We are located in Brighton, Colorado and serve the entire Denver Metro Area, and if you would like to learn more about high-efficiency furnaces please contact us today to discuss the possibilities.