10 HVAC-Related Questions to Ask Before Buying a Home

Whether you are a first-time homebuyer or looking to move, purchasing a new home is an exciting time. Although you may fall in love with the layout and aesthetic of a home, a dream may quickly turn into a nightmare if you don&#;t know the history of the inner workings of the home before you sign the dotted line.

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It is highly recommended to get an inspection done before buying a home, because many potential issues aren&#;t visible on the surface. Professional home inspectors will give you approximate timelines of if and when expensive home components will need to be repaired or replaced, such as the roof or heating and cooling system.

The heating, ventilation, and cooling (HVAC) system is an important part of keeping your home safe and comfortable. Bring this list of questions to ask the realtor, seller, and home inspector before you buy a new home.

Heating and cooling units typically last between 10 and 15 years with proper maintenance, so knowing the age of the current equipment can tell you about how much life it has left. Newer units also tend to operate more efficiently, saving in energy costs and environmental impact. However, just because the system is considered old, it does not always mean it needs to be replaced, which leads to the next question:

A little work now can save a lot of work (and money) later.

Answers to these questions provide important information to know before buying a home so that you are not blindsided by future financial headaches and stress. The budget you may have set aside for cosmetic changes or furniture may quickly dissolve if these major home components are not inspected first. This information will also allow you to negotiate on price, or request replacement systems before buying. If you&#;re a current or future homeowner, request an appointment with our Comfort Advisors to help with your heating and cooling equipment!

At Shaw Services we receive plenty of questions from homeowners wanting to make the most of their HVAC systems. As a quick primer, here are some of your most common questions and their answers.

How often should I change my air filters?

This depends on which type of filter you use. Check and change disposable 1&#; filters every month (although some high-efficiency types can last up to 3 months) and 4&#; filters at the beginning of the heat and AC seasons.

Should I cover my outdoor condensing unit during the winter season?

If you have a heat pump or an all-electric home, don&#;t cover it. If your furnace is natural gas with a conventional condensing unit outside, you can cover it with a cover or tarp to protect the internal components from damage.

What do the different energy efficiency ratings mean?

Air conditioners are rated according to the SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) scale; heat pumps use the HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor) measurement. The higher the rating, the more efficient &#; and cost-effective &#; the unit.

Sino Air Conditioner contains other products and information you need, so please check it out.

Is a bigger HVAC system better?

Your HVAC system should be designed to suit your home&#;s square footage. A system that&#;s too small will placed under undue pressure, while a system that&#;s too big will do the job, but inefficiently and expensively.

Should I zone my house?

If you have a ducted system, zoning lets you divide up your home into areas that share common heating and cooling needs. With zoning you can use secondary thermostats to adjust the temperature in different areas up and down for greater comfort and improved energy efficiency.

Do I need a programmable thermostat?

Programmable thermostats allow you to adjust the temperature of your home throughout the day depending on your needs &#; for example, adjusting the temperature down if you&#;re not at home. They can help reduce your energy consumption and your energy bills.

What type of HVAC system Is best?

It depends on your needs. There are four main types of HVAC system: split systems, hybrid systems, duct-free and packaged. Split systems are the most common &#;one-size-fits-all&#; choice. Hybrid systems are similar but allow owners to switch their heat source between gas an electricity for energy- and cost-saving results. Ductless systems use individual units in different rooms, and are good for extensions, garages or add-ons without ducts. Packaged systems are less powerful, but are good for small residences in warmer climates.

What&#;s the life expectancy of the various heating system options?

On average, water heaters last 10-12 years, conventional condensing units 15-18 years, and heat pumps 12-15 years. You can extend the life of your equipment by committing to preventative maintenance.

How can I lower my energy bills?

There are many ways to do this. Invest in energy-efficient HVAC equipment, install a programmable thermostat, switch out your bulbs to LEDs, install and use ceiling fans in tandem with your HVAC, and regularly check your door and window seals.

What equipment do I need to have serviced, and when?

We recommend servicing your boiler and furnace systems, heat pumps, and air conditioning units twice per year. Schedule your service before the hot and cold seasons hit to stay ahead of any problems.

For more information about any of these topics, or for any topics not covered here, get in touch with Shaw Services using the form below. We&#;re always happy to help.

Are you interested in learning more about One-Stop Air Equipment and Spare Parts? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!