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HVAC Checklist for First Time Homeowners
Purchasing a home for the first time comes with tons of new information and tips about things that are sometimes overlooked during the home-buying process. When shopping for your new humble abode, making sure the home’s HVAC system is up to par should be at the top of your checklist.
It’s important to make yourself familiar with the different types of HVAC systems and knowing the features, services, and warranties they come with. Here’s what you should look for when buying a new home and checking the HVAC system.
What is An HVAC System?
If you’re not familiar with what an HVAC system is, it stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. Your HVAC system is made up of all of the hardware that heat and cool your home.
The hardware in your system contains the components of a furnace, air conditioning unit, ductwork, thermostat, fan, and more. Some HVAC units will not always contain all of these components depending on how old they are and how old your new home is like ductwork or an air conditioning unit.
What Type of System Do You Have?
There are different types of systems that have different functions to heat and cool your home.
Ductless Mini Split System
If your new home doesn’t come with air ducts, a ductless mini split system is an easy solution to help regulate the temperature in your home. This type of system uses a zone heating or cooling system and is usually mounted to a wall outside of your home. If you have a ductless system, hiring an HVAC technician to make sure your system can handle how often you’re using it is the best way to keep your home at the most comfortable temperature.
Split System
One of the most common systems homeowners install is called a split system. A split system usually goes inside of your home and can be found in a basement or attic.
The system can also be powered by natural gas or propane and relies on ductwork to distribute hot and cold air.
Hybrid Split System
A hybrid split system is similar to a split system, but the difference is it can be powered by either gas or electric. This system is popular because homeowners sometimes prefer the option to use electricity to power their system since it is quieter.
How Old is Your Unit?
One of the first things you should do when purchasing a new home is to determine how old your HVAC unit is. Most new homes already have a unit installed, and won’t need a replacement for a few years, so you should examine the label to see how old the one in your new home is. A majority of systems have their installation date on the label and when it was manufactured.
An older unit would need to be replaced fairly quickly and most newer HVAC units last between 10 and 20 years.
What is Your System’s Efficiency Rating?
Older HVAC units are not as efficient as newer systems, and can ultimately cost you more in utility bills. An up-to-date unit will be more efficient and help you save money on bills over time.
When you’re checking your air conditioner’s efficiency rating, you will need to research its Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating, or SEER rating. Find your furnace’s efficiency rating by checking for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. The higher your ratings, the cheaper your system will cost to run on a regular basis.
Contact Dependable Heating & Air for Your HVAC Needs
There is a lot of information that homeowners can learn about their HVAC units and how to use them to their advantage. Our team at Dependable Heating & Air knows how complex HVAC systems are and can assist you with all of your HVAC needs. If you’re purchasing a new home, or looking to upgrade your current system, we can help! Contact us today at (707) 247-2887 to schedule an appointment and get your questions answered!