Buying your first home is an exciting event, but there are also a lot of moving parts. Are there any underlying problems? Do the utilities seem like they’re holding up? A good thing for first-time home buyers to take a look at 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 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 Be on Your HVAC Checklist?
Unless you’re already familiar with HVAC systems, you may not know what to look for. Luckily, there are a few pieces of information that can offer insight into the overall condition the HVAC system 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 may lack convenient features used 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 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 great 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 might have scheduled a tune-up or maintenance visit before placing the house on the market. When this is the same service company that installed it, you can get a better sense of the quality 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 could leave the HVAC system at a greater risk of problems, namely if the HVAC system hasn’t even been used in a while. Routine maintenance can consist of 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 need 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.
Find a Trusted Service Company for an Inspection and Tune-Up
If you’ve found 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 comprehensive inspection, determining the extent of 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 the possibility the previous owner simply wasn’t aware of the problem. If there’s something impacting the HVAC system, it never hurts to ask if possible replacement costs can be factored into the cost of the home itself. In any case, the more information you have, the better decisions you can make.
Check Everything Off Your List with Redhawk Heating & Air Conditioning
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.
Remember to have a trustworthy service company on your side. They can keep equipment functioning smoothly with repair and maintenance support. For quality local service, call Redhawk Heating & Air Conditioning at 432-237-0168.
