Purchasing your first home is an exciting milestone, but there are also a lot of unknowns. Are there any hidden problems? Do the utililities seem like they’re in good shape? 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 particularly bad 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 key 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 may not know what to look for. Luckily, there are a few pieces of information that can deliver 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 confirm when the make and model was first manufactured. Older models can be less energy efficient and will often lack convenient features used in new equipment. This should be 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 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, especially if routine maintenance has been provided.
What service company installed it?
This may not always be easy to find out, but the previous homeowner might 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 level of service the HVAC equipment has received so far.
Has it received any routine maintenance?
Quality preventative maintenance is one of the best things you can provide HVAC equipment. Previous homeowners don’t always bother, which can sometimes leave the HVAC system at a higher 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 important 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 might 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.
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 calling a trusted local service company before you decide against buying. They can perform a comprehensive inspection, determining the extend of existing issues and looking for any others. If the damage can be fixed with a simple tune-up, buying the house might still be worth it.
And there’s always the possibility the previous owner just 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 information you have, the better decisions you can make.
Check Everything Off Your List with Stanford Heating & Cooling
If you’re unsure about a possible 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.
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 Stanford Heating & Cooling at 812-825-8695.