HVAC Tips For First Time Home Buyers

January 29, 2016

It is not unusual to get lost in the excitement of choosing and buying a new home, especially when you are a first-time home buyer. It is also not unusual in these instances to overlook items that are not in plain sight, such as the heating and air conditioning systems. With the humid summers and cool winters in Huntersville, NC, understanding to the type of HVAC system your new home has is important.

Determine The System Type

HVAC systems can use furnaces, boilers or heat pumps. The energy source affects your heating bills. In addition, if the system has a furnace or boiler, you need to know if it uses natural gas, oil, propane, or some other fuel source.

Find Out The Age Of The System

A system that is more than 10 years old is at the end of its lifespan. It may be able to perform for years longer, but it will probably require major repairs or even need to be completely replaced.

Check Out The Efficiency Rating

Older systems are usually less efficient, but regardless of age, a high-efficiency system will save you more than a mid-efficiency system. Check the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) measure on the furnace or boiler. Check the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) and the Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) in the heat pump. A higher-efficiency system will also include variable speed motors and other features that improve performance.

Check The Warranty

Depending on the age of the system, the warranty may still be valid. Improper maintenance or missed annual inspections can void the warranty, so be sure to get the repair records. Without a warranty, you will be responsible for the cost of repairs or parts replacement.

Get The Results Of The Latest Inspection

Climate control systems require annual inspections by a professional to run at top efficiency and prevent damage to components from normal wear and tear. After each inspection, the technician supplies a report covering any issues with the system. This report will alert you to any potential problems.

Bottom line? Reduce your Huntersville, NC HVAC heating bill & save on preventative maintenance by choosing the right HVAC system.