Buying a new home is a huge investment, so you’ll want to make sure you’re getting exactly what you want and need. One thing many people have in common is that they really don’t want to buy a home with already-existing HVAC system problems. Whether the heating or cooling system simply needs to be fixed, is showing signs of age or doesn’t work at all, you’ll want to know about the problems and what you can expect to need if you want to get your HVAC system working again.

Here is a comprehensive checklist for before you buy and for after your sale closes so you can know what to look for and what to expect from your new home’s HVAC system.

Before You Buy

How Old Is the Current System?

When you’re looking at a new home, you probably take stock of a number of different features. However, one thing you shouldn’t overlook is the air conditioning and heating system.

Head outside and find the condenser or locate where the indoor unit might be while seeing a property for the first time and look for the manufacture date. If the date is 20 years or more in the past, be prepared for the system to need significant work or to be entirely replaced within a few years’ time. Don’t let that dissuade you from buying a property if everything else is perfect but instead, prepare to negotiate around this, as you should probably keep the major expense of a replacement in mind when coming to an agreement.

What SEER Rating Is the System?

Similar to your system’s age, the information label on each system should have a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, or SEER rating printed on it. This tells you how energy-efficient a system is. The higher the number, the better. A number of 14 or higher is generally pretty good and adheres to modern standards. A number of 13 or below is fairly old and it doesn’t adhere to modern energy efficiency requirements. You don’t have to immediately purchase a new system, but be warned that this system might consume more energy and cost more as a result.

What Type of Heating Source Does the System Use?

There are several different types of heating systems found throughout homes in Connecticut to provide heat, such as many older homes having electric or oil burning furnaces or boilers. Many modern homes utilize a gas-burning furnace. Still other more modern HVAC systems use a heat pump or ductless system to keep their home comfortable. Keep in mind that older technologies like electric or oil furnaces are not efficient and require a pretty large amount of energy/fuel to keep you warm.

Are There Other HVAC Equipment Pieces (Dehumidifiers, Air Scrubbers)?

Does the property have another additional piece of HVAC equipment, such as a smart thermostat, dehumidifier or air purification system? This is good information to know and they can even add to a home’s value. Take stock of them and note their condition. A dehumidifier doesn’t do a lot of good if it doesn’t work, and you’ll have to pay to have it fixed if you don’t have the sellers do it for you.

After Closing

Schedule Maintenance

Once the property sale is complete, we can send in one of our service technicians to take a good look at the entire system as well as tune it up so it’s running at its best. This will give you the opportunity to repair small problems that may exist and to enjoy your new HVAC system at its most effective.

Change the Air Filter

Changing the air filter helps improve indoor air quality, which in turn helps remove odors, remove the dust and debris floating around from your move and, in general, provides a more comfortable home. You should check your air filter every two to three months and replace it as necessary. Be sure to always keep spare filters on hand.

Request Any Warranty and Purchase Paperwork

It is extremely helpful to get any warranty and purchase paperwork from your home’s previous owners. Most new system warranties are transferrable if the house sells and you’ll want to keep yourself protected should something go wrong with your otherwise, brand-new system. This generally means having a copy of the system installation and sale paperwork as well as previous maintenance records and a copy of the warranty itself. You should also notify the manufacturer of your system that you are now the owner of the system and update your information accordingly.