Finding the perfect home for your family is not always easy. You want to be in a good location and a safe neighborhood. It pays to invest in a house that doesn’t require a lot of work or is low-maintenance. Often, buyers pay attention only to the actual structure of the house. Before purchasing a property, don’t forget to assess the condition of its HVAC system.
A trusted air conditioning service provider shares HVAC-related things you must know before buying a new home.
What to Ask the Seller
When Was the HVAC System Installed?
The first thing you should ask the seller or owner of the house is the equipment’s model and installation date. Older units tend to perform less efficiently than newer counterparts. It would also help to look up when it was manufactured.
While the HVAC system might have been manufactured a couple of years ago, it could still be in good shape if it was just recently installed. You can expect the equipment to run efficiently if it receives routine tune-ups from a reputable air conditioning service provider.
Who Installed the Equipment?
Next, you want to know who installed the HVAC system. If the owner can’t provide this information, check maintenance records. You’ll have an idea about what kind of service the equipment has received if the same technician installed it.
How Often Does It Receive Maintenance?
Regularly inspecting your HVAC system and getting an HVAC repair as soon as an issue arises is vital to the longevity of heating and cooling systems. Routine maintenance includes cleaning the system components, replacing filters, and lubricating parts to ensure optimal performance.
Moreover, negligence increases the risk of malfunctions and early equipment failure. Think twice about buying a house with an HVAC system that doesn’t receive regular maintenance. Inefficient equipment could compromise your comfort and indoor air quality.
Can I See Your Energy Bills?
Don’t forget to ask to see their energy bills. Doing so will give you a better picture of how much it would cost to cool or heat your potential home. High energy bills could be an indication that an HVAC repair is necessary. It could also be that the house is not sealed properly or there are problems with the signal of the heating and cooling system.
Schedule a Professional Inspection
Another thing to do before purchasing a house is to schedule an inspection with a reputable contractor. If you suspect there is something wrong with the HVAC system, the more you need to have the equipment checked. The only way you can confirm if repairs or a replacement is necessary is through an inspection.
First, you need to find a company you can trust. To find a reliable HVAC technician, you can go online and look up “air conditioning repair near me” or “HVAC contractors near me.” It also helps to ask for referrals from your friends, family, and colleagues. You want to hire professionals who work with trusted manufacturers and can deliver prompt and efficient service.
Sometimes, the owner isn’t aware that their HVAC system has issues. If the technician finds a problem, ask how much the repairs or the new equipment will cost. You could also ask if the HVAC replacement costs could be factored into the property’s pricing. Knowing more about the house and the HVAC equipment will help you make more informed decisions.
Tips to Prolong the Life of Your New Home’s HVAC System
Schedule Routine Maintenance
Having your HVAC system professionally inspected and maintained at least twice a year is among the best ways to make your heating and cooling system last longer. You can expect your technician to clean the internal and external parts of your HVAC system. It means they will eliminate dirt, moisture, and other debris that could damage the equipment. They will check the connections, wires, and mechanisms of the unit. Filter replacement, lubrication, refrigerant level assessment, and condenser cleaning could also be performed.
Replace the Filter Regularly
HVAC filters are usually replaced every one to three months, depending on the type. Regardless of the kind of filter your equipment has, check it regularly and replace it if necessary. The packaging of the filter should indicate how frequently it needs replacement. You might need to replace yours more often if you have pets at home or someone in the family suffers from allergies. It might be a small task, but it helps maintain good indoor air quality and keep your equipment efficient.
Invest in a Smart Thermostat
With a smart thermostat, you can have your home’s temperature automatically changed at certain times of the day. You can conveniently adjust its settings through your smart devices, such as cellphones, tablets, and computers. Setting the temperature according to the occupancy of your living space will help reduce your energy costs and extend the service life of your HVAC system.
Check the Condenser Frequently
You’ll find your HVAC system’s condenser outdoors. Since it’s outside the house, it is prone to damage from harsh weather conditions and debris. Check the unit regularly and get rid of anything that obstructs it. Don’t allow plants to grow too close to the condenser to avoid damage. See if the drainage is working right and look for signs of rust.
Improve Your Home’s Insulation
Did you know that your HVAC system will serve you longer if your home has sufficient insulation? With well-insulated spaces, your equipment won’t need to work hard to reach your preferred temperature. You can notice an improvement in the performance of your heating and cooling equipment after insulating your basement and adding more insulation to the walls of your home.
Looking up “air conditioning repair near me” because you think something is wrong with your HVAC system? Let Albert Air Inc.’s team of experts check and repair your equipment. We offer quality heating and cooling repair, installation, and maintenance services. You can also count on us for efficient indoor air quality solutions. Call us at (714) 526-6368 or fill out our contact form to request a free estimate.
