A home’s heating and cooling efficiency is one of the most important factors that should be considered by all potential homeowners prior to purchasing. Not only are heating and cooling amenities essential for the health and safety of residents, but inefficient heating and cooling can ultimately lead to unforeseen costs if they are not up to high standards.
Understanding how a home’s HVAC system works, how it is maintained, and what costs to typically expect are just some of the questions that a homeowner should know the answers to before making any purchasing decision.
Here we will take a look at the answers to these, as well as other important questions, so that you will know exactly what you need to ask during the crucial purchasing period.
What type of heating system does the home have?
Most homes will typically have one of three heating appliances; a furnace, a heat pump, or a boiler. Each has its own unique advantages:
- Heat Pumps: Efficient, Environmentally Friendly, include air conditioning
- Furnaces: Reliable & cheaper to operate during very cold temperatures
- Boilers: Warm floors, consistent comfortable heat
It is vital to learn the age and servicing history of the heating system. An older system, naturally, might be more at risk of breakdowns and may have outdated technology or components that impact efficiency.
What type of cooling system is installed?
Like heating, there are several forms of cooling systems that a home might have. Some of the most prominent forms of cooling are a central air cooling system, ductless mini-splits, or heat pumps.
You should ask similar questions to those related to the heating system within your potential home. Inquiring about the appliance’s efficiency rating will give you a good indication as to the costs you might expect to pay if you were to own the property.
How old are the heating and cooling systems?
Technology is improving all of the time. It does not take long for a heating or cooling system that was once considered cutting-edge to become dated and obsolete. It might be harder and more expensive to service older systems as replacement parts may no longer be manufactured.
As such, inquiring about the age of the home’s systems is an essential question you should ask. Learn the HVAC system that is installed and inquire about its typical lifespan. This will give you an indication of when you might need to purchase a new system.
Were there any recent repairs?
Asking this question provides reassurance. Ask the previous home owner for any records of any repairs. Keep in mind gas appliances should be serviced yearly.
You should always inquire about a system’s warranty period and documentation, and whether this is transferable to new owners, to ensure that if repairs are required, you are covered.
We would recommend having a heating & cooling inspection done on top on your home inspection.
What are the energy efficiency ratings?
While they can be a little complicated, it is important to have a good idea of the energy efficiency ratings of your heating and cooling systems. Ask for the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER), which should give a good indication of yearly anticipated costs for operating the systems.
If your potential home has a furnace, learn about its Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating, or in the case of a heat pump, the Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) is what you’ll be after.
Is there a programmable thermostat installed?
You should look to ask if there is a programmable thermostat within the home. Some of them operate as smart thermostats which can be used from your phone and offer wifi connectivity. This will help save money on energy bills and could also lead to eligibility related to energy rebates.
Are there any zoning systems in place?
Many modern homes will often be equipped with some form of zoning system. If there are multiple thermostats located around the home, this is usually a good indicator that a zoning system is in place, though you should inquire about this before purchasing.
A zoning system allows for a certain area (or zone) of the house to be heated to one temperature, while a different zone is exposed to another. This eliminates redundant heating of areas that aren’t likely to see much footfall during a typical day.
What is the condition of the ductwork?
Poorly maintained ductwork can dramatically reduce the efficiency of a HVAC system, so you should look to confirm that the ductwork is in good condition. Try to learn when the last maintenance check was carried out on these vital components.
Conclusion
While it might seem time-consuming to find out all of this information, it is important to do so. Doing all you can to learn of any potential issues prior to purchasing could save you a lot of time and money further down the line. Liaising with a trained and trusted HVAC inspector is a great first step in ensuring that the home of your dreams remains that way.
Contact John Sadler today at (604) 531-4355 or email us at service@johnsadler.ca.
