When you’re looking to buy your first home, you likely have a list of must-haves and want-to-haves. Maybe an en-suite bathroom is a top priority, while a huge kitchen is negotiable.

Your wish list probably doesn’t specify what type of heating and cooling system (HVAC) you would prefer. That’s understandable! It’s easy to assume your new home has a sufficient HVAC system to keep you comfortable in all kinds of weather. 

However, that may not always be the case.

This HVAC guide will help you make sure your starter home is warm in the winter and cool in the summer, without astronomical energy costs.

The First-Time Home Buyers’ HVAC Guide

Let’s start with the basics: HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning. An HVAC system typically includes:

• A heating unit: This can be a furnace, boiler, or heat pump. Its job is to keep you warm during those chilly months.
• Ventilation ducts: This part of the system ensures that there’s a steady flow of fresh air throughout your home, which is crucial for good indoor air quality.
• Air conditioning: This might be a typical external AC unit, a ductless system, or even an evaporative cooler system. Either way, it’s there to cool your home during the hot months.

Types of HVAC systems

There are several types of HVAC systems you might come across in your home search:

1. Central air systems are the most common in modern homes. They have a central unit (thus the name) that heats or cools air, then distributes it through a network of ducts to all the rooms in your house. 
2. Ductless systems, also known as mini-splits, are common in homes without existing ductwork. They consist of an outdoor unit and one or more indoor units that deliver air directly to specific parts of the home.
3. Heat pumps are a versatile and eco-friendly way to both heat and cool a home. They transfer heat, rather than generating hot or cold air. In areas with extremely cold winter weather, however, heat pumps may need a backup furnace. 
4. Furnaces use gas, oil or electricity to heat air and then blow it through ducts to warm your home. 
5. Boilers and radiators use hot water to heat the home instead of hot air. The water is heated in the boiler and circulated through radiators to warm up your living spaces. 

How to evaluate an HVAC system

It’s crucial to know what condition your potential home’s HVAC system is in before you make an offer. Updating an aging, insufficient, or poorly maintained HVAC system can be a major expense; you’ll want to make repair or replacement part of the final deal. Here’s what to look for.

Age of the system

Most HVAC systems have a lifespan of 15-20 years. If your system is nearing the end of its useful lifespan, you may need to replace it sooner rather than later. It’s important to check the manufacturing date, which is often embedded in the serial number or listed on the nameplate. Even if an older unit is still functioning, it’s likely to be far less efficient than newer units. 

Maintenance history

An HVAC system needs regular maintenance to run efficiently. The current homeowner should have records of maintenance, including tune-ups and filter changes. If maintenance records aren’t available, that could be a sign that the system hasn’t been well maintained. 

Signs of wear and tear

There are many warning signs of an HVAC system on the fritz. Look for these common culprits:

• Rust and corrosion on the outdoor A/C unit and indoor components
• Strange noises like banging, squealing or clanking
• Water stains or active leaks
• Hot and cold spots throughout the home

Ductwork condition

Look for visible gaps or leaks in the ductwork, presence and state of insulation, and damage like rust, dents, or disconnected sections. Even the best furnace or A/C unit can’t deliver air through damaged ducts.

Efficiency and performance

Modern, more efficient HVAC systems can save you money on monthly energy bills. Ask about the system’s SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating for air conditioners or the AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) rating for furnaces. Higher ratings mean better efficiency. 

Type of Thermostat

The thermostat is the ‘brains’ of an HVAC system. More modern systems have smarter thermostats that can help keep the home comfortable and save energy. You might encounter these types of thermostats in the wild:

Manual thermostats are the most basic type. You set the temperature manually and adjust it when you’re too hot or cold. 

Programmable thermostats let you set a schedule for your HVAC. You might program it to lower the temperature when the house is empty, or during sleeping hours, and raise it when everyone’s at home and awake. 

Smart thermostats are programmable thermostats that are internet-enabled. You can control them with a smartphone, and many can ‘learn’ your schedule and automatically adjust settings. 

The thermostat is the easiest and cheapest HVAC component to upgrade, so a manual thermostat isn’t necessarily a deal breaker, but it’s good to know what you’re dealing with. 

Professional Inspection

It’s a good idea to have an HVAC technician inspect the system before you buy the home. These professionals can offer a thorough assessment and point out potential issues. 

Maintaining your new HVAC system 

Once you make your decision, close on the property and move in, it’s up to you to keep your HVAC in good working order. Here are a few quick tips.

Regular maintenance tasks

• Check air filters, vents and registers monthly. Most filters should be replaced every 3 months, or sooner if they’re clogged. 
• Schedule a professional tune-up in the fall (for heating) and spring (for air conditioning). This helps make sure everything’s in good shape for increased usage.
• Schedule ductwork and system inspection annually. A comprehensive check can catch potential issues before they’re out of control.

DIY vs. professional maintenance

While there are many maintenance tasks you can handle yourself, some things are best left to the pros:

• DIY tasks:
  • Replacing air filters
  • Cleaning vents and registers
  • Keeping the outdoor unit clear of debris
• Professional tasks:
  • System tune-ups and inspections
  • Ductwork repairs and cleaning
  • Thermostat calibration and advanced diagnostics

Regular maintenance is key for improving efficiency, enhancing your comfort, keeping your air quality high, and even extending the life of your HVAC system.

Looking for a trustworthy partner in your HVAC adventures? We’ve been helping Minneapolis homeowners stay comfortable in their homes for over four generations. Just call us and tell us how we can help you.