Planning to buy your first home? Congratulations! Purchasing a home is an exciting, new adventure, but understanding a new-to-you HVAC system and its maintenance needs can be frustrating. A-Absolute Plumbing, Heating, A/C, Sewer & Drain Cleaning can help guide our New Jersey customers through the “back-to-cool” season with these crucial-for-new-homeowners tips!
Inspecting your new HVAC system
When you’re looking at homes, be sure to ask about the age of the heating or cooling system so you’ll know if you’ll need to soon replace any elements. Ask the current homeowner or realtor for a maintenance history, too. Before you purchase your new home, the home inspection should include a basic HVAC review.
If you’d like a second opinion from a professional HVAC expert, A-Absolute would be happy to perform a thorough inspection of your HVAC system. Based on the results of your home inspection, you may be able to negotiate any repairs/replacement with the current owners in your final contract.
What’s the warranty?
Often, HVAC manufacturer warranties can last up to 10 years. If you purchase a home with the HVAC system still under warranty, you won’t be on the hook for the full cost of repairs or replacements for the duration of the warranty’s contract.
However, make sure to check that the original homeowners didn’t void the warranty by not following its conditions. Most warranties require proper maintenance, including annual inspections. On the other hand, purchasing a new system means you’ll get repair benefits for the full length of the warranty and you’ll personally know that you’ve kept up with it.
Check the efficiency
One of the major features to check on your new HVAC system is its energy efficiency. For example, ENERGY STAR®–rated units should provide you with better efficiency and lower energy bills. Be certain to ask the current homeowner or realtor about the typical energy usage, but remember, each family’s use will be different.
As you move in and start using the system, you’ll get a better idea of how it works for you and what your energy bills will average. If you are concerned about the energy efficiency of your system, the experts at A-Absolute can inspect and make recommendations for better performance.
Routine HVAC maintenance is a must
No matter the age or efficiency of your new home’s HVAC system, you’ll want to keep up with regular maintenance once you take ownership. Check (and change) your HVAC filter regularly, get routine inspections and tune-ups from a professional, and have the ducts cleaned when needed.
If you live in New Jersey and are in the process of purchasing your first home, contact A-Absolute! We’d be honored to guide you through the process of taking ownership of a new-to-you HVAC system.
