Top HVAC Questions to Ask When Buying A Home

October 30, 2020

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial investments you will make in your lifetime. You can often fall in love with the look and aesthetics of the house, but there are several things to consider before a purchase to make sure your investment doesn’t become bigger than you anticipated. HVAC is like the heart of your home; it’s an important part of keeping you and your family safe and comfortable.

Here are some HVAC questions you should ask before purchasing a home:

How old is the home’s HVAC system?

While proper maintenance and upkeep can extend the life of HVAC systems and units, most systems have a lifespan of 10-15 years. You should avoid a system that’s near the end of its service life. Ask the seller for documentation on the age of the HVAC equipment.

How energy efficient is the HVAC equipment?

The difference between a high-efficiency AC or furnace, and a mid-efficiency model can be several hundreds of dollars in energy bills each year. If the HVAC equipment has not received regular maintenance, it may operate inefficiently and be prone to breakdowns. 

Has the AC and furnace received regular annual preventative maintenance?

It’s important to know when the system or units were last serviced as well as how regular service had been conducted. Find out if the HVAC technician noticed any problems or potential problems, and whether or not the problems have been resolved.

What are the home’s average monthly heating/cooling costs?

Heating and cooling bills are an important monthly expense to take into consideration. If you learn that the home’s electric and gas bills are unusually high, it could be a result of inefficient HVAC equipment or it could possibly be insulation issues.

Is there a warranty on the system that transfers when ownership transfers? 

If the warranty transfers, you want to know the stipulations and what it will cover. If the seller tells you there’s a warranty, ask for documentation.

For information on a variety of HVAC issues when purchasing a home, reach out to us at 951.694.1300. Our goal is to help educate our customers in Canyon Lake, Temecula, Murrieta, and the Inland Empire about matters specific to home HVAC systems.

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