HVAC Tips for First-Time Home Buyers
The home-buying process can be tense and overwhelming for any prospective homeowner. With the constant influx of information, stacks of paperwork, inspections, and appraisals, some things are bound to fall through the cracks. But if you aren’t seriously checking into the existing heating and cooling systems in your new home, you may get a few unwelcome surprises in your first year (or further down the road).
Here, we’ll take a look at what you need to know about the HVAC system in your new home, what questions to ask your inspector, and how you can maintain your home’s HVAC units to maximize performance and lifespan.
The HVAC Home Inspection Process
Having an offer accepted on a new home is a thrilling event, but that thrill can be short-lived, as you quickly enter the race to closing, usually full of home inspections, work estimates, appraisals, and much more. This time is critical though, to understanding what secrets your new home, and its existing HVAC, may hold.
What is an HVAC Inspection?
Home inspections aren’t necessarily required when purchasing a new home, but they are typically considered a standard part of the purchase agreement, designed to protect the buyer. Home inspections can uncover potential structural or mechanical issues in the home, giving you a chance to negotiate with the seller to get those issues resolved.
While a home inspector will take a look at the HVAC system, this is usually more of a basic visual inspection, and nothing too in-depth. A good home inspector can spot issues, but for the most accurate evaluation, it’s best to work with a dedicated HVAC technician. An HVAC professional can inspect your furnace and AC unit thoroughly, then write a report with recommendations you can provide to the seller. An HVAC inspection should include:
- Testing of all the functions of the air conditioner, furnace, heat pump, outdoor units, etc.
- Cleaning out and inspecting air filters and coils
- A visual examination for cracks and excessive wear and tear
- An assessment to determine if there’s adequate ventilation in the home
- A safety check for gas or carbon monoxide leaks
Questions to Ask During the Home Inspection
Whether you have a standard home inspection or decide to seek out an independent HVAC inspection from a qualified technician, there are certain questions you should be prepared to ask to get the most information about your new home’s HVAC:
- What type of HVAC system is it? While a traditional furnace is most common, some use boilers or heat pumps. This is important to know because the energy source used will affect your energy bills. If a furnace or boiler is used, find out if it’s fueled by natural gas, oil, propane, or another fuel.
- How old is the furnace and air conditioning unit? A well-maintained air conditioning system or furnace can last 15-20 years, but you may not always be sure it was properly cared for. If your inspection reveals your HVAC system is well past a decade in age, it may be closing in on the end of its lifespan. While a system may continue to perform for years longer, it’s also at high risk for requiring major repairs or even complete replacement.
- What is the unit’s efficiency rating? Although older systems are generally less efficient, you’ll save more with a high-efficiency system than with a mid-efficiency one, regardless of its age. For a furnace or boiler, check the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE). For a heat pump, ask for the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) and Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF). Higher-efficiency systems also include advanced features that improve their performance, such as variable-speed blower motors.
- Is there a warranty on the unit? Even if the system was under warranty when installed, the warranty may have expired or been voided by improper maintenance, such as skipping annual inspections. Without a warranty, unsuspecting first-time home buyers are on the hook for the full cost of any repairs or parts replacements.
- Have there been previous inspections? What were the findings? Any heating and air conditioning system requires annual professional inspections to keep running at top efficiency and to prevent normal wear and tear from damaging the components. At the end of each inspection, the technician provides a report detailing any issues with the system. This report can alert you to potential problems. If you’re in contact with the sellers, they may be able to provide you with previous reports.
HVAC Maintenance Tips for First-Time Homeowners
While buying a home for the first time can feel like stepping into the great unknown, once you get through the process and get settled into your new home, you’re in control. And that means you have the ability to prolong the life of your HVAC system by implementing routine and preventive maintenance. Where do you begin?
Set Up a Schedule to Change Air Filters
Ensuring you have clean air filters is the number one way to maximize the efficiency and lifespan of your HVAC equipment. Most often, air filters should be changed out every 1-3 months. If you’re in a dusty climate or you have multiple indoor pets, you may want to do it more frequently. Keeping air filters fresh will improve your airflow, indoor air quality, and reduce potential allergies.
Upgrade Your Thermostat
A programmable thermostat is a quick and simple way to make your existing HVAC system more efficient. A smart thermostat runs on a schedule you set, or an automated one based on your usage and temperature preferences. It can also monitor when you aren’t at home so the system doesn’t run unnecessarily.
Pay Attention to Your Energy Bills
There’s always an element of surprise when you start receiving utility bills at a new residence, but you will soon be able to detect patterns and trends in your electric and/or natural gas bills. Over time, this will tell you when there are unusual spikes and excess energy consumption, so you can see if your HVAC unit is operating at peak performance.
Schedule Tune-Ups and Preventative Maintenance
For maximum efficiency, your HVAC system requires regular maintenance and annual tune-ups. You may even want to schedule two tune-ups every year, once before the warm season and again before the cold season. Your HVAC company will be able to spot potential issues and keep an eye on them so action can be taken before they turn into major problems. Check out Airtron’s Essential HomeCare packages for the ultimate in HVAC preventative maintenance.
HVAC Troubleshooting Tips for the Unexpected
In spite of your best efforts, sometimes problems do occur, especially if there are a lot of unknowns around the home’s existing HVAC system. If something out of the ordinary happens, don’t panic. Check out these tips, and be sure to seek out HVAC services from a qualified professional if you aren’t sure how to proceed.
HVAC is Making Strange Noises
Both heating systems and cooling systems create a fair amount of noise, but if you notice something odd, like a screeching, grinding, or clicking, you need to check things out. Look for debris in and around vents, or loose screws on the units. Make sure your air filter is inserted and fitted properly. If you’re still hearing the noise, it could be an issue like a worn out belt, a loose fan blade, or a problem in the ignition system. Call an HVAC company to identify the source.
HVAC Has an Unusual Odor
The most common source of a smelly HVAC unit is damp or mildew issues, usually in homes in humid climates, or without proper airflow. If your HVAC unit is in a damp part of your home, you may want to try a dehumidifier to see if that takes care of the problem. Natural gas is odorless, but often is mixed with an odor-producing substance to indicate a leak. If you smell anything sulfurous like rotten eggs, leave the home and seek out help from a professional.
HVAC System Running But Not Maintaining Temperature
If your furnace, heat pump, or air conditioner is kicking on constantly but your home isn’t as comfortable as it should be, there could be several potential issues. First, check your thermostat. It could be that it isn’t reading the indoor temperature correctly, causing the HVAC system to short cycle. Check thermostat placement, too. You want to make sure it’s level, correctly calibrated, and not positioned in direct sunlight, all of which could skew the readings. If that isn’t the issue, check for a clogged air filter, or debris around outdoor units.
Air Conditioner or Furnace is Running Constantly
If your home is at the right temperature but you notice that the furnace or AC is running all the time, this could also indicate a thermostat issue. Make sure it’s set to “auto” rather than “on,” and check the battery. As above, you should also check for dirty filters, but if that isn’t it, you may want to see if your evaporator coils are frozen. If so, shut off your air conditioner and allow them to thaw. This could indicate low refrigerant levels, so you’ll want to contact an HVAC technician.
Other Tips to Get the Most Out of Your HVAC System
Home ownership is a full-time job, but with the right insight and support, you can manage to make it a comfortable and welcoming place. To continue using the home’s existing HVAC system, you can also try the following:
Clear Debris from Outdoor Units
Regularly check your outdoor air conditioning unit and sweep away leaves, dirt, and other lawn debris. Making sure it’s unobstructed will improve airflow and ensure your unit is operating as efficiently as possible.
Check for Air Duct or Vent Obstructions
Whenever you feel that your home isn’t cooling down or warming up as well as it should, go around and check the vents for any obstructions. Something as simple as a curtain hanging over a vent could cause a reduction in airflow and shift the indoor temperature of your home.
Optimize Indoor Air Quality
The air you breathe is important to your health and your home. Improve quality by dusting and vacuuming regularly to keep pollutants and contaminants out of the ductwork. Use exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms whenever possible, and keep windows and doors closed when outdoor air quality is less-than-ideal. Finally, consider installing a humidifier to control the home’s humidity levels.
Upgrade to an Energy-Efficient Heating System
It may not be in your budget right after taking on a new mortgage payment, but remember that if your existing HVAC system is old and on its last legs, it could be costing you more than you think. An energy-efficient system will lower your energy bills, and having new equipment will help you avoid breakdowns. Over time, the cost of a new unit will be offset by energy savings and efficiency, plus the peace of mind in knowing you have a safe and functioning heating and cooling system.
Form a Relationship with a Qualified HVAC Technician
Before or soon after you move into your new home, find an HVAC company you can trust. Check reviews, and ask in your local and online communities for recommendations. If you want your HVAC system to last as long as possible and keep your home as comfortable as possible, this will be a valuable relationship to leverage well into the future.
Airtron is Here to Ease First-Time Homeowner Jitters
It might feel impossible to think too much about an HVAC system when you’re facing the prospect of buying an entire home, but understanding the unit or units the sellers are leaving behind will help you make informed decisions and maintain your family’s comfort and safety. If you’re still feeling confused about your HVAC system choices and maintenance requirements in your new house, contact us for help at Airtron Heating & Air Conditioning.
