HVAC Questions to Ask When Buying a House

The HVAC system is generally the most expensive piece of equipment in any home. Likewise, it's the most essential when it comes to the comfort of a home's occupants. So when you're looking at buying a house, you need to find out all you can about the heating and cooling systems. Here are some key questions to ask when you're shopping.

1. How old is the HVAC system?

The age of the HVAC system should be considered as you negotiate a price. Older systems may have a lot of life left, but you'll have to think about more frequent repairs as a system reaches the 10-year mark. Another important issue is what kind of refrigerant the air conditioner uses: R-22 refrigerant is being phased out, so be aware it will cost more, or else be more difficult to acquire in years to come, to keep an older A/C going.

2. What types of heating and cooling systems are installed in the home?

Most likely, you'll be looking at a home with a basic forced air furnace and central air conditioner. But if the system is equipped with some of the latest HVAC innovations designed to improve comfort and efficiency — such as a Wi-Fi thermostat, condensing furnace, electronically commutated motor (ECM) or scrolling compressor — you may expect the seller to pass along some of the costs for all that technology. If the home comes with a heat pump or ductless mini split, radiant floor or wall heating, you'll need to brush up on the ins and outs of that technology, and how efficient it's likely to be in our climate.

3. Has the system been maintained?

Ask to see the documents for maintenance, so you'll know if the system has been well maintained, and what sort of issues it may have had.

4. Is the warranty transferable?

Sometimes warranties are only good for the original purchaser. Find out before you buy.

At Air Assurance, we know the right questions to ask about the HVAC system whenever you're buying a house. Call us at 918-894-5760. We serve Broken Arrow and the surrounding area.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about important HVAC questions and other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273. Credit/Copyright Attribution: “adjieargoputra/Pixabay”

5 HVAC Considerations When Buying a House

When you’re buying a house, it’s only human nature to pay attention to the look and feel of the home. It’s just as important to explore the HVAC system as well, since it’s likely the most expensive appliance in the home and the one that keeps you comfortable year-round.

1. Find out its age. Like all mechanical systems, HVAC systems age over time. As you inspect the home, write down the brand and model number if the homeowner can’t tell you its age. Any system that’s over 12 years old may need replacing sooner rather than later.

2. What kind is it? In our region, homes might have a gas-pack HVAC system, which means it has a gas furnace and an air conditioner. Heat pumps are becoming more common and provide both cooling and heating by means of heat transfer. It’s important to know which type the home has.

3. What’s the configuration and condition of the ductwork? The ductwork for the home may reveal some efficiency aspects of the home. Ductwork configurations that are simple and direct provide better efficiency, as do insulated ducts.Duct leakage is a common energy waster that can be fixed. Look for areas of dust around the registers to spot potential leakage. Have the HVAC system and its ductwork inspected by a licensed HVAC contractor if you’re serious about buying a house in particular.

4. What’s its efficiency? The outdoor condenser’s cabinet may state the SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) of the cooling system, and the air handler indoors should have an AFUE (annual fuel utilization efficiency) rating inside the cabinet if the home has a gas furnace. Higher ratings for both indicate better efficiency.

5. Has it been adequately serviced? Ask the homeowners for their receipts and records of professional HVAC maintenance and repairs. Routine maintenance increases the longevity and efficiency of all HVAC systems.

Paying attention to the HVAC system when buying a house will help you avoid surprises as you go forward, since this system is a crucial home appliance. To learn more, contact Air Assurance, providing HVAC services for Broken Arrow homeowners.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about TOPIC and other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273. Credit/Copyright Attribution: “geralt/Pixabay”