Shopping for a new home is exciting, and exhausting. There is so much to think about and a laundry list of inspections you have to go through before you can move into your new place. And it is important to pay particular attention to the aspects of the home that could end up costing you dearly if they fail in the first couple of years. The HVAC system is one such component. Are the heating and cooling systems in good shape? Do they get routine air conditioning repair in Cupertino, CA? Here is a checklist of information you will want to know before committing to a new home’s HVAC system.
1. Determine the Age of the Unit
How old is the system? Was it installed when the house was built, or have some of the components already been replaced? These are important questions because most HVAC systems only last 10 to 15 years before parts really start to wear out and break down. And, if you can avoid it, you don’t want to be the one to have to pay for a new system right away.
2. Find Out Who Installed the System
Unless the homeowners built the home and worked directly with the contractors, it isn’t always easy to figure out who installed an HVAC system. A quality install will get the most out of the system while a poor install increases the likelihood of premature system failure. So if you can, find out who installed the system and who regularly services it. A contractor or technician who is no longer in business could be a red flag.
3. Figure Out the System’s Energy Ratings
Most of the newer HVAC systems have easy-to-find energy ratings. Look for a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER) and an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) percentage labeled somewhere on the unit. These ratings will give you an idea of how efficiently the system runs and how much it can save on your energy bills each year. Understand these numbers and compare them to the energy bills.
4. Get Copies of Utility Bills
Speaking of energy bills, ask for copies of the most recent utility bills. Nothing is worse than moving into a new home and receiving your first jaw-dropping energy bill. You don’t want to realize too late that the cost of living in the home doesn’t fit within your monthly budget.
5. Ask if the System Gets Routine Maintenance
It is easy to ignore the HVAC system as long as nothing seems to be amiss. Unfortunately, this means many homeowners neglect the annual maintenance of their heating and cooling. You want to make sure that the previous owners kept up on a maintenance plan and can provide you with documentation.
6. Check the System Warranty
Proper installation and routine maintenance are prerequisites for most HVAC warranties. If the installation and the maintenance records all check out, then the system may still have some viable warranty coverage. This is good to know, especially if you are looking at a newer system that should have several years of life left. And many contractors offer transferrable warrantors. It doesn’t hurt to ask.
7. Get an Inspection and Tune-Up
Lastly, before becoming a new homeowner, you will want to find a trusted HVAC company for a routine inspection and tune-up. This air conditioning repair in Cupertino, CA will help determine the extent of existing issues. And if there is a more serious problem, it would be prudent to ask if replacement costs can be factored into the cost of the home before you sign a contract.