Florida real estate is booming again, and if you’re thinking about buying your first home, make sure you do your due diligence. You don’t want to pay the current high prices and then have to sink even more money into repairs. Get answers to critical HVAC questions before you buy a new house.

Also, don’t be shy about inspecting the system yourself. While a home inspection can seem invasive if the current owner is still in residence, you’re well within your rights to open doors and check vital appliances and machinery.

Visual Inspection

Before hiring a home inspector, you can perform your own visual inspection to check the HVAC system. Look for the following criteria:

Outdoor condensing unit

The condensing unit should be level and mounted on a pad. Check for fan operation, straight fins, and undamaged condenser coils. Ensure all wires are sound and insulated and that the refrigerant piping is connected.

Ductwork

Ductwork should have structural integrity and be well supported. Noises from the ducts may mean leaks

Indoor air handler

Check the make, model, age, and any efficiency rating stickers. Look for leaks under the unit or algae growth in the drain pan. Don’t forget to check the condition of the evaporator coils.

Operation

Run both the air conditioning and heat to ensure proper operation in both winter and summer

You Need Answers

Before you make an offer, make sure you understand the home’s HVAC history. South Florida homeowners need effective air conditioning, so getting answers to your HVAC questions should be on the top of your list.

Your real estate agent or the seller should be able to provide the following information.

1, Age of the HVAC system

Older systems will need repair or replacement sooner than newer systems. Experts recommend replacing the HVAC after 10 to 15 years, but good maintenance can prolong the life up to 25.

2. System efficiency

Is the equipment ENERGY STAR rated? What are the efficiency ratings on the components? Air conditioning can account for a big portion of your monthly utility bills, so don’t walk into your new home blindly.

3. How much does the heating and cooling cost?

The seller can provide you with utility bill averages if they lived in the home. You don’t want to be surprised come summer when electric bills can skyrocket.

4. Check for warranties

For newer systems, the manufacturer’s warranty should transfer to the home buyer. If the system is out of warranty, request a prepaid home warranty in case something goes wrong.

5. Maintenance plans

Ask if the seller had any maintenance plan for the system. That’s a good sign! A maintenance contract in place means the HVAC has been well-maintained and regularly serviced.

Buying a new home is stressful, and a maintenance plan can let you focus on your life in your new home without worrying about AC failures. Make an appointment with One Hour Air in Stuart for all your HVAC needs.