A First-Time Home Buyer’s Guide to HVAC Systems

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A First-Time Home Buyer's Guide to HVAC SystemsAs a first-time home buyer, you want your money smartly invested in a comfortable and efficient home. The HVAC system bears the responsibility of providing your future home with comfortable conditioned airflow, and it accounts for nearly half of home energy usage. Use this guide to spot any HVAC system repair or replacement pitfalls.

Home Evaluation Report

Review the home evaluation report. If you are viewing a home that hasn’t had a home-efficiency evaluation, move on to the next home. There are too many things in too many home systems that can go wrong. Check the following evaluation results:

  • HVAC system types: You certainly want to know the type of HVAC system installed.
  • System age: Generally speaking, you want HVAC systems that have at least half of their estimated life span remaining. Heat pumps and A/Cs should be 5 to 8 years old or less. Furnace and boilers should be less than 8 to 10 years old.
  • Air filters: Take a look at the air filters. Are they new or clogged with dirt? Filter maintenance is telling of the type of care HVAC systems have received.
  • Ducts: Look inside air vents to see if the ducts are caked with dirt or are clean. Turn on the cooling and heating systems and check for balanced airflow from the vents. Unbalanced airflow is a sign of duct leaks.
  • Noises: Listen for unusual noises from the HVAC system. Rattling is an indicator of leaky ducts. Grinding and squealing are indicative of blower motor issues.
  • Maintenance: Regular maintenance records are a good sign the HVAC system has been well taken care of.

If you’re a first-time home buyer, follow these few simple steps to ensure your new home doesn’t need any HVAC repairs. Getting a second opinion or an independent HVAC inspection with your own contractor is a great approach. For more information about HVAC systems, contact Hansberger Refrigeration and Electric Company.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Yuma, Arizona about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). 

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