Five Tips to Assess an HVAC System

Dec 1

The HVAC system is almost always the most costly appliance in a house. If you are looking for a home in your price range, it's worth doing some research now to save money down the road.

It is a mistake to underestimate the importance of your heating and cooling system in your home.

You want your home comfort system to work when you are most comfortable - even on the coldest days. But you also want to prevent costly replacements due to catastrophic failure.

First, what kind of HVAC system are you using?

Is your HVAC DC system type known? Are you aware of the type of HVAC system you have?

Is it compressed air? Or compressed water?

You can also power your house heating and cooling systems with:

Your system's effectiveness and type of fuel determine the cost of heating or cooling your home.

You should learn everything you can about what equipment you are about to purchase. An HVAC system, such as a furnace, is complex because it includes many components, including the heat exchanger and evaporator coils, thermostat, air filters, etc.

Tip #2: Check the HVAC System's age

Home heating and cooling systems should be serviced at least once per year. They could end up needing to be serviced every year, especially on the coldest or warmest days.

If systems are older than ten years, or if they haven’t been maintained properly, they may be at the end of their useful lives. An efficient system can last many years if it is well maintained.

Do you not know what to look for in a search?

Are there any signs of heating and cooling system failure, such as metal fatigue or a loud operation when the system is turned on?

You should be concerned if you answered yes to any of these questions. While home inspections can be a great way to get another opinion, they are not the same thing as HVAC checks.

Remember that home inspections are mostly visual. Therefore, your inspection will also be primarily visually. A home inspector won't be able to fully evaluate the cooling and heating systems so you will need an HVAC inspection.

Tip #3: Pay attention to labels

The HVAC system's efficiency is often marked on it. It is important to be able to recognize the equipment, fuel type, and energy requirements required to operate them.

This information will help you determine the system's age.

Tip #4: Keep track of maintenance records and utility bills.

Preparing to install an air conditioner is only part of the job. To function effectively, your HVAC system requires regular maintenance. You should ask when the HVAC system was last checked and repaired if you are serious about purchasing a house.

You can find a job ticket, notes from an inspection, or a job ticket. Many HVAC companies will place their initials or stickers on equipment. You should pay attention to maintenance, especially on older systems.

It could be that you are receiving the same service twice. This could indicate that larger repairs or replacements are in the works.

Tip #5 - Examine Rooms

Do not let your excitement of becoming a homeowner stop you from looking at the comfort levels in every space. Are there any rooms that feel too suffocating? Is it too hot? Are you feeling more humid? Three out of four homes have conditioned-air seeping from their ductwork. This results in high energy bills, uncomfortable temperatures, and humidity issues.

A problem with equipment that is too large or too small can lead to serious problems. These concerns should be addressed early in the home-buying process.

Washington HVAC Boss

Washington DC

(202) 980 8310