When you have narrowed your choices for buying a house, it’s very wise to bring in a home inspector to find any hidden costs in the form of home repairs. However, in many instances, home inspectors aren’t qualified to comprehensively determine the condition of the HVAC system. To make sure you don’t move in to a cooling and heating money pit, use these helpful tips!
HVAC Age and Condition
An older HVAC system isn’t necessarily a red flag. However, as a general guide, a heat pump and A/C unit typically lasts 10 to 15 years. A gas or oil furnace may deliver efficient heating for 15 years or even more. Your trusted HVAC company should conduct an HVAC inspection to tell you the condition of the HVAC units installed, and what you may expect from them with good care.
HVAC Features
Add-on features to your HVAC system can make all the difference regarding superior comfort and efficiency. A zoning system, for example, provides both by giving you control of which rooms (zones) receive cooled or heated airflow 24/7.
Service and Repair History
Quality care is essential to maximize HVAC efficiency and service life. Find out all you can about the service and repair history of the HVAC systems in the home or homes you are considering to purchase. Further, ask if the units were serviced by the same HVAC contractor each year, and check that contractor’s credentials.
Efficiency Ratings
Like the gas mileage of your automobile, the efficiency ratings of your HVAC system indicate how much you may expect to spend in energy consumption. For example, a furnace delivering 95 AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) will heat your home 15 percent more efficiently than a furnace delivering 80 AFUE.
Peace of Mind Warranty
If the HVAC units are less than 10 years old, ask if there is a warranty and if it is transferable. Follow up by checking with the manufacturer of the HVAC units.
For the answers to your HVAC questions and concerns when you are buying a house in Eastern North Carolina, contact the experts at Jackson & Sons today!
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Eastern North Carolina (including Wayne, Johnston, Greene, Lenoir, Pitt and Duplin Counties) about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
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