February 24, 2022
Buying your first home is an exciting decision, 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 check out is the condition of the house’s HVAC system. A furnace that’s in particularly rough 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 take a look at some of the most important things you’ll want to know about the HVAC system.
What Should Be on Your HVAC Checklist?
Unless you’re already familiar with HVAC products, you might not know what to look for. Fortunately, 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 confirm when the make and model were first manufactured. Older models are sometimes less energy-efficient and will often lack handy features available in newer 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 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 isn’t always be easy to confirm, but the previous homeowner may have scheduled a tune up or maintenance visit before putting the house on the market. 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?
Routine preventative maintenance is one of the best things you can invest in for your HVAC equipment. Previous homeowners may not have bothered, which might 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 include everything from replacing the air filter to keeping moving 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, getting a new HVAC system may 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 an Inspection and Tune-Up
If you’ve found 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, verifying existing issues and looking for any others. If the problem can be resolved with a simple tune-up, buying the house might still be worth it.
And there’s always a chance the previous owner just wasn’t aware of the problem. If there’s something impacting 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.
Check Everything Off Your List With Winters Heating and Cooling
If you’re unsure about a potential dream home, don’t let a few 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.
Don’t forget 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 Winters Heating and Cooling at 317-406-5382.