Buying a new house is exciting, there’s no denying that, especially if you’ve been lucky enough to land yourself a property in one of Phoenix’s best places to live, however it’s not always easy to find the perfect home.
Often, buying your own house can quickly transform into an incredibly confusing process, particularly when you discover all the hidden costs that don’t begin to surface until months after you’ve settled in. For many people, air conditioning and heating can be one of those hidden costs, simply because they don’t know what to look for when choosing the right property.
If you’ve been a renter up until now, then you’ve probably not had to worry about dealing with the issues of air conditioning and heating. However, now that you’re moving into your first property, it’s important to understand what you should be looking for in an HVAC system designed to stand the test of time.
1. The HVAC Units
As you know, when you’re performing an inspection of your potential home, there’s a lot more to take into consideration than just the color of the paint or the size of the garden. Take some time to conduct a quick inspection of the heating and cooling units in your home. If you notice any watermarks, rust, or other signs of decay, then you might be looking at a system that’s old and in need of replacement.
If any of your air conditioning or heat pump solutions were installed more than a decade ago, it might be worth speaking to an expert about whether they need to be replaced. If you do need to change your air con, it’s better to do it sooner, rather than later. A new system will keep you comfortable and save you some serious cash on energy bills.
2. The Ducts
Though there’s a good chance that you won’t be able to see little problems with your air conditioning or heating unless you’re a certified technician, you can still notice problems with the ductwork. Take a look at some of the visible ducts in the attic and basement, as well as any that run to the HVAC system. If you see something that doesn’t seem right, like a loose connection, rust, or gaps where ducts are connecting to each other, then you need the support of an expert.
The good news is that having your ducts repaired after moving into your new home is a generally simple and cost-effective process. You should be able to get minimal problems like duct leaks repaired within no time.
3. The Insulation
Finally, while there are some things in a new home that you know you need to inspect, such as paintwork and inspecting for damp, insulation can often be overlooked. Ask your realtor or the previous owner about the insulation installed within the property. It might not seem important at first, however this will ensure your home is comfortable in every season and keep the costs of running a home as low as possible.