HVAC Questions to Ask When Buying a Home
Buying a home is a major undertaking, and it can be hard to keep up with all the aspects that you need to be informed about. From plumbing to appliances to insurance and more, there’s a lot that can go wrong if you aren’t careful and prepared.
To make things easier in your search, we’ve compiled a list of questions that you can ask about your HVAC system when you’re considering investing in a new home.
What type of system is installed?
Perhaps the most important HVAC information for new homeowners to know is what type of AC system is installed to manage your home comfort. Find out if the air conditioning is central air, ductless mini splits, or window units. And find out if the heating is run through a furnace or a heat pump.
While none of these are necessarily dealbreakers, it’s important to know what type of energy costs and HVAC system maintenance requirements will be involved in your new home. And if you have your heart set on a home but it doesn’t have the system you want, just be prepared for the costs of switching over.
When was the system installed?
Age is a significant factor in the maintenance and replacement of your air conditioner and heating systems. When viewing a home, make sure to ask when the systems were installed so you can be prepared for the replacement cost. If it was less than 5 years ago, you have some time. If the systems are more than 10 years old, be ready to replace them relatively soon.
Again, this doesn’t need to be a dealbreaker, but it will help you accurately estimate how much you’ll spend on the home.
What fuel powers the HVAC system?
Almost all air conditioning systems are powered by electricity, so we’re more focused on fuel for the furnace. The most common fuel is natural gas, but there are also oil and electric furnaces. The type of fuel is crucial in determining how much you’ll pay in utility bills each month and what maintenance is required on the unit.
Does the system come with any special features?
After figuring out what kind of system is installed in the home, it’s time to see what else is installed to help provide comfort. Many homes are installing attached indoor air quality solutions, like purifiers and dehumidifiers. Having one of these devices installed may be a bonus, as it indicates that the home will have reduced air pollution.
Also, ask about the system’s thermostat. See how many there are and where they are located. Thermostats work best on an interior-only wall in a central location, away from vents, heat sources, or fans. And bonus points if the thermostat is a smart device, which will help save you money and add convenience to your routine.
A home zoning system is another benefit for home comfort that you should look out for. Especially in larger homes, zoning systems help to reduce energy waste. You can set up your system to cool or heat in zones, saving money in areas that don’t need as much treatment.
Where is the system located?
System location is a smaller detail but still warrants asking. Make sure the system is accessible both for you and your HVAC technician. You may also want to note if the system is in a location where you’d notice the noise.
Your Trusted HVAC Resource
Texans know how the weather can be somewhat unpredictable, but the Lex Air Conditioning and Heating team takes the guesswork and stress out of home comfort. Contact our Carrollton HVAC contractors today at (972) 217-8955 for the answers you need on your home HVAC system.
