Buying your first home is an exciting decision, but there are also a lot of unknowns. Are there any underlying problems? Do the appliances seem like they’re in good shape? 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 rough shape could be the difference between making an offer on a house and searching 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.
What Should I Have on My HVAC Checklist?
Unless you’re already familiar with HVAC systems, you might not know what to look for. Luckily, there are a few pieces of information that can offer 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 learn when the make and model was first manufactured. Older models are sometimes less energy efficient and can lack handy features available in new equipment. This is usually fairly easy to find, but it’s also only half the information you want. You should also try and 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, particularly if routine maintenance has been provided.
What service company installed it?
This might not always be easy to verify, but the previous homeowner might 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 a better sense of the level of service the HVAC equipment has received so far.
Has it received any routine maintenance?
Routine preventive maintenance is one of the best things you can do for HVAC equipment. Previous homeowners don’t always bother with it, which can sometimes leave the HVAC system at a higher risk of problems, especially if the HVAC system hasn’t even been used in a while. Routine maintenance can include everything from replacing the air filter to keeping important components clean and well-lubricated.
What ratings are available for your HVAC system?
Once you find 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 have to be factored into total costs. Otherwise, you could move in only to have a broken HVAC system before the last box is unpacked.
Work with a Trusted Service Company 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 comprehensive inspection, determining the extent of existing issues and looking for any others. If the damage can be fixed with a simple tune-up, buying the house should still be worth it.
And there’s always a chance 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 likely 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 Walter's-Eaton's Electric, Plumbing, Heating & AC
If you’re unsure about a potential dream home, don’t let some HVAC problems get in the way. 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 working smoothly with repair and maintenance support. For quality local service, call Walter's-Eaton's Electric, Plumbing, Heating & AC at 715-318-6728.
