If this is your first time purchasing a home in St. Louis, all the information that you need to take in at once can seem overwhelming. And let’s face it: most new homebuyers are too excited about moving into their new property to bog themselves down in the details of their new HVAC system.
Despite this, it is important to keep in mind before the home inspection that problems with home HVAC systems can cause major damage to your home and can result in costly repairs. HVAC issues can cause fires, water damage, and wasted money on heating and cooling.
Here is a list of questions about your new home’s HVAC system that you will want to ask your real estate agent as well as things you should consider before you close the deal. For more answers about heating & air conditioning and for expert HVAC service, contact us today!
- How old is the HVAC system? Although a well-maintained HVAC system can remain in good working order for decades, age is a good place to start for identifying potential issues.
- When was the system last serviced? Find out when the HVAC last received service. If it has been serviced less than annually, you should have a technician look at it to check for any potential problems.
- How large is the HVAC system? Every HVAC system has a certain load for heating and cooling measured in BTUs. This is a way of measuring how much heating or cooling energy the system can put out.
- Is the system the right size for the home? Consult with a St. Louis HVAC professional to find out if your system is powerful enough to keep your property at a comfortable temperature. Figuring out the right size includes looking at factors like insulation, air flow, home material, furnishing, and more, which can all impact how much energy that it takes to keep the property comfortable.
- Is the system properly ventilated? Ventilation systems need to be of adequate capacity and in good condition in order to prevent harmful fumes from accumulating within your home.
- What warranties still cover the system? Reputable HVAC contractors and equipment vendors provide warranties for their hardware. If your home is of relatively recent construction – or the HVAC system is new – you may still have some or all of the equipment covered by warranty.
- Be sure to read your HVAC manual as soon as possible: The answers to many new homeowner questions about how their system works can be found in your manual and other documentation.
- Take note of any odd smells or issues that seem ‘off’: Issues with air quality or humidity levels may indicate a problem with the climate control systems. Identifying these early can cut down on repair bills and other issues caused by malfunctioning HVAC systems. Strange noises and other odd things that you notice when the system is heating up the home should also be noted and investigated.
Contact Us for More HVAC Tips
At Galmiche & Sons, we love helping first-time St. Louis homebuyers get the HVAC service that they deserve. Contact us for a free heating & air conditioning estimate and to learn more about your HVAC system.
