Buying your first home is an exciting milestone, but there are also a lot of unknowns. Are there any hidden problems? Do the utilities seem like they’re holding up? A good thing for first-time home buyers to inspect is the condition of the house’s HVAC system. A furnace that’s in especially bad shape may be the difference between making an offer on a house and looking elsewhere.
So if you’re a first-time home buyer, what should be on your HVAC checklist? Let’s review some of the most important things you’ll want to know about the HVAC system.
Why Do I Need an HVAC Checklist?
Unless you’re already familiar with HVAC products, you might not know what to look for. Luckily, there are a few pieces of information that can provide insight into the overall condition the HVAC equipment is in.
What year was the equipment manufactured and installed?
If you can, you’ll want to find out when the make and model was first manufactured. Older models are sometimes less energy efficient and may lack convenient features used in newer equipment. This should be fairly easy to find, but it’s also only half the information you want. You should also attempt to find out when the equipment was installed.
Even if an HVAC system was manufactured several years ago, the installation itself could have been more recent. Recent installations are more likely to be in good shape, especially if routine maintenance has been provided.
What service company installed it?
This might not always be easy to confirm, but the previous homeowner may have scheduled a tune-up or maintenance visit before placing the house up for sale. When this is the same service company that installed it, you can get an idea about the degree of service the HVAC equipment has received so far.
Has it received any routine maintenance?
Professional preventive maintenance is one of the best things you can provide HVAC equipment. Previous homeowners don’t always bother with it, which may leave the HVAC system at a greater risk of problems, namely if the HVAC system hasn’t even been on in a while. Routine maintenance can consist of everything from replacing the air filter to keeping crucial components clean and well-lubricated.
What ratings are available for your HVAC system?
Once you learn the make and model, you can do some online research. If there’s been a recurring problem or even something like a product recall, replacing the HVAC system may need to be included in total costs. Otherwise, you could move in only to have a broken HVAC system before the last box is unpacked.
Work with an Experienced HVAC Technician for an Inspection and Tune-Up
If you’ve discovered a problem with the home’s HVAC system, consider checking with a trusted local service company before you decide against buying. They can perform a thorough inspection, verifying existing issues and looking for any others. If the damage can be resolved with a simple tune-up, buying the house might still be worth it.
And there’s always the possibility the previous owner simply wasn’t aware of the problem. If there’s something impacting the HVAC system, it doesn’t hurt to ask if expected replacement costs can be factored into the cost of the home itself. In any case, the more info you have, the better decisions you can make.
Keep Your First Home Comfortable with Total Assurance AC & Heating
If you’re on the fence about a possible dream home, don’t let some HVAC problems stop you. With a few key pieces of information, you can make a well-informed decision about purchasing your first home.
Remember to have a trustworthy service company in your corner. They can keep equipment running smoothly with repair and maintenance support. For quality local service, call Total Assurance AC & Heating at 361-217-7080.
