HVAC Questions When Buying a Lexington Home

Heating and cooling use accounts for about half of all energy consumption in a home. When searching for the perfect Lexington home to buy, you’ll need to ask some questions about the existing HVAC systems to determine what your monthly expenses will look like, as well as when you can expect costly system replacement projects.

How much are monthly heating and cooling costs? Ask the homeowner or have your real estate agent work with the homeowner’s agent to get an idea of the monthly costs to operate the home’s heating and cooling systems. With this information, you can determine if the household costs of a residence meet your budget. Obtain information on electricity costs, along with natural gas or other heating fuels, if applicable.

How old are the existing heating and cooling systems? HVAC equipment in Lexington homes have varying service lifespans. Furnaces can last from 15 to 20 years; air conditioners 12 to 15 years; heat pumps last around 15 years; geothermal heating and cooling systems may last 30 or more years. Knowing the age of the current systems will clue you in to when you’ll need to anticipate replacing them, and if you should expect that cost during the years you plan to live in the home.

What maintenance was performed on the existing HVAC systems? The lifespans above don’t mean much if the systems were not maintained correctly (annually for furnaces and air conditioners, twice per year for heat pump systems). If the existing systems have been neglected since installation, you may need to invest initially in tune-ups and repairs after you purchase the home. Also, adjust your expectations for system service life based on the maintenance routine of the former owners.

If you have questions about the heating and air conditioning systems in the Lexington home you wish to purchase, contact the NATE-certified experts at Climate Control for help. We have the answers you need to make an informed purchase decision, and will provide the maintenance and repairs your new systems need to enhance performance and extend service life.