Buying your first home is an exciting event, but there are also a lot of unknowns. Are there any hidden problems? Do the utilities seem like they’re in good shape? A good thing for first-time home buyers to check out is the condition of the house’s HVAC system. A furnace that’s in especially rough shape can sometimes 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 take a look at 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 equipment, you may not know what to look for. Thankfully, 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 learn when the make and model was first manufactured. Older models are sometimes less energy efficient and can lack convenient features found in newer equipment. This is usually fairly easy to find, but it’s also only half the information you want. You should also do your best to find out when the system 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 may not always be easy to confirm, but the previous homeowner may have scheduled a tune-up or maintenance visit before putting the house up for sale. When this is the same service company that installed it, you can get an idea about the level 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 do for HVAC equipment. Previous homeowners may not have bothered with it, which may leave the HVAC system at a higher risk of problems, namely if the HVAC system hasn’t even been used in a while. Routine maintenance can include everything from replacing the air filter to keeping crucial components clean and well-lubricated.
What ratings are available for your HVAC system?
Once you determine the make and model, you can do some online research. If there’s been a consistent problem or even something like a product recall, replacing the HVAC system might have to be considered as part of the total costs. Otherwise, you could move in only to have a broken HVAC system before the last box is unpacked.
Choose a Trusted Service Company for Services like Maintenance
If you’ve discovered a problem with the home’s HVAC system, think about 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 problem can be resolved with a simple tune-up, buying the house should still be worth it.
And there’s always a chance the previous owner just wasn’t aware of the problem. If there’s something affecting the HVAC system, it never hurts to ask if likely replacement costs can be factored into the cost of the home itself. In any case, the more details you have, the better decisions you can make.
Keep Your First Home Comfortable with House of Heating Incorporated
If you’re unsure about a potential 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.
Don’t forget to have a trustworthy service company on your side. They can keep equipment running smoothly with repair and maintenance support. For quality local service, call House of Heating Incorporated at 715-384-3163.