Your HVAC system is the mechanical heart of your home. It keeps you warm in the winter and cool in the summer—and it accounts for nearly half of all your energy costs, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. 

Replacing or repairing an HVAC system can be a large investment for your home. When you’re looking at buying a home, it’s important to determine the condition the HVAC is in. This knowledge can help you negotiate a fair price, or even just be prepared for future expenses.

Here are a few ways first-time homebuyers and beginners can learn more about the HVAC system in the home they want to purchase:

1. Learn about the status of the HVAC system

Before you can do anything with your HVAC system, you have to know what type of system you have and how old it is. There are several different types of HVAC systems, including furnaces, boilers, split heating/cooling and ductless. In addition, systems can be fueled by electricity, natural gas, oil or another type of fuel. Knowing what type of system you have will make it much easier to know how to care for it. 

Likewise, knowing the age of an HVAC system can help you budget for maintenance, repairs or even a replacement. Typically, HVAC systems last anywhere between 15 and 25 years. Sellers will generally specify the type of HVAC system included in the home and when it was last replaced. 

2. Find out the system’s energy rating.

Once you know the type of HVAC system in the home, you can do a little research to understand its efficiency rating. This will give you a good idea of how much your utility bills will be. 

For air conditioners, you’ll want to look at the seasonal energy efficiency ratio, or SEER rating, and the energy efficiency ratio (EER). For furnaces, look at the AFUE, which stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency rating. Utility companies will also provide historical averages of bills for any given house if you call for that information. 

3. Get any relevant documentation 

Documentation is one of the best ways to understand the state of your HVAC system. The easiest way to get these documents is to ask the former owners for all relevant documentation related to the HVAC system. This may include user manuals, installation documents, service records, and any warranties or guarantees associated with the HVAC components. 

Having access to these documents provides valuable insights into the system’s history, maintenance schedules, and possible repairs or replacements. You may also discover that manufacturer or service warranties still cover your HVAC system, which can help save money in the event you need to repair or replace it. 

Proper documentation is also invaluable to HVAC technicians in understanding the system’s specifics, which can be particularly helpful during maintenance and troubleshooting. 

Having all relevant documents on hand will help you better understand the HVAC system’s overall health and guide your decisions on maintenance or potential upgrades.

4. Do your own visual inspection

While not a substitute for a professional inspection, doing your own visual assessment of the HVAC system can help identify glaring issues that need further investigation. 

Check for leaks around the indoor and outdoor units and inspect the condition of the air ducts as best you can. Look for water stains, mold growth and unusual odors, which might indicate possible moisture issues or poor indoor air quality. 

If you can, take a look at the condition of the air filters to make sure they are clean and well-maintained. If they’re not, that could be an indication that there may soon be problems with the HVAC system. 

Doing your own once-over is also a good way to familiarize yourself with the system and the condition of each component. With that information in hand, you can make more confident decisions about the property and anticipate any maintenance or repair needs.

5. Keep the outdoor unit clean

Keeping the outdoor unit of your HVAC system clean is essential for maintaining its efficiency and prolonging its lifespan. Regularly inspect the unit for any leaves, grass clippings, or any other debris that may accumulate around the condenser coils or the fan. 

Use a gentle stream of water or a soft brush to carefully clean the exterior surfaces and remove any buildup. Do not use a high pressure setting on your garden hose, because that could damage the fins on the unit, resulting in the need for expensive repairs. 

Keeping the outdoor unit clean helps you reduce energy consumption, lower utility bills, and minimize the risk of potential issues caused by restricted airflow or overheating. If you’re feeling nervous about how to clean your outdoor unit, you can ask a professional HVAC technician for advice on how best to proceed.

6. Get a programmable thermostat

Consider installing a programmable thermostat or upgrading to a smart thermostat. These devices allow you to create personalized heating and cooling schedules based on your daily routine, so you can save energy and money by adjusting the temperature when you’re away or asleep without sacrificing comfort. 

Some smart thermostats are able to learn your preferences over time and can be controlled remotely through smartphone apps. This lets you get even more granular with how and when your HVAC system runs along with an even more convenient way to control your home’s heating and cooling. 

By optimizing how you use your HVAC system with a smart thermostat, you can significantly reduce your energy bills and keep your home more environmentally friendly.

7. Locate your air filter and change it regularly

Replacing your air filter regularly improves indoor air quality, prevents dust and debris buildup in the system, and helps your HVAC system operate efficiently. A dirty filter can cause the HVAC system to work harder, leading to increased energy consumption and potential strain on the equipment. That’s why changing your air filter is one of the most important bits of routine HVAC maintenance for any homeowner, and keeping on top of it is a must. 

Start by finding your air filter, which is typically near the return air duct or the blower unit. It should slide out easily, but make sure to note which direction the filter was placed—each filter has a front side and a back side, and putting it in backwards could damage your HVAC system. Toss the used filter, slide in the new filter, and put the covering back on the filter compartment. That’s it! 

8. Get your ducts professionally cleaned

Over time, dust, dirt, allergens, and even mold can accumulate in the ductwork, affecting indoor air quality and impeding airflow. Hiring a professional duct cleaning service is an excellent way to maintain clean air in your home and a smoothly running HVAC system. 

Professional duct cleaners use specialized equipment to remove contaminants, ensuring that the air circulating through your home is clean and free from allergens. Having your ducts cleaned every 3-5 years (or as needed) can reduce the risk of respiratory problems and reduce the spread of allergens throughout your house. 

If you are buying a house, getting this done before you move in is an easy way to get a head start on your HVAC maintenance without disrupting your daily routine. But even if you’ve already moved in, the benefits far outweigh any inconveniences. 

9. Find a reputable HVAC company for regular maintenance

Research and select a reputable HVAC company to perform annual maintenance on your system. Regular maintenance by qualified technicians can identify and address minor issues before they become major problems. This helps prevent unexpected breakdowns, ensures your HVAC system runs efficiently, and prolongs its lifespan. In addition, a maintenance contract can provide peace of mind, offering priority service in case of emergencies.

When you’re ready to get started with regular HVAC maintenance, contact us to schedule an appointment.