Buying a home is a big investment. In Houston, central AC and Heating are essential to a homebuyer’s comfort. The state of the AC system can impact repair costs down the road. That means it’s important to inspect the AC system when considering buying a home. That is why we have put together an HVAC Checklist for home buyers.
Home HVAC Considerations for Buyers
Age.
One of the first things that you need to ask is how old the furnace and AC unit are. If the realtor or sellers don’t know you can find the label on the furnace, air conditioner, or heat pump that gives its date of manufacture. If the unit is close to or over 15 years old, the unit is close to the end of its life.
Size and Capacity.
One important consideration is air conditioner sizing and whether the unit in the house is the right size for the space. An oversized AC unit can not only increase your energy bills over time, but it can also contribute to breakdowns and lower air quality. Unfortunately, many homes are outfitted with HVAC systems that are too big or small for the space, so make sure you know the capacity of the air conditioner in your new home and check that it’s not under or oversized for the space.
Repair History.
Another thing to ask for is the repair and maintenance history of the AC unit and furnace. This way you know if the units and components have received regular service and maintenance, as well as any issues that have arisen that need to be fixed.
Energy Efficiency.
There are energy efficiency ratings on most newer systems. They can give you an idea of how much the HVAC system will save you in running costs each year. When you look on the air conditioning unit, it’s called the SEER rating. SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. The higher the rating, the cheaper your system will be to run. For your furnace, this rating is the AFUE. This stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. Again, the higher the AFUE number, the cheaper your system is going to be to run.
Get a Professional AC Inspection Technician.
Even with all this information, it is best to call a professional AC repair and installation company. A professional can go over parts like your ductwork, the condition of the unit etc. in order to know what repairs are either needed or coming. This way, you are better informed if and when you purchased the home. If you live in the Houston area, Be Cool AC & Heating can inspect the HVAC unit and system and let you know exactly what you are getting if you buy your home.
