Buying your first home is an exciting decision, but there are also a lot of unknowns. Are there any underlying problems? Do the utililities seem like they’re in good shape? A good thing for first time home buyers to inspect}review is the condition of the house’s HVAC heating and cooling. 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 Be on Your HVAC Checklist?
Unless you’re already familiar with HVAC systems, you may not know what to look for. Thankfully, 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 determine when the make and model was first manufactured. Older models may be less energy efficient and can lack handy features availabke in newer equipment. This is usually fairly easy to find, but it’s also only half the information you want. You should also attempt 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 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 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?
Routine preventative maintenance is one of the best things you can do for HVAC equipment. Previous homeowners don’t always bother, which might leave the HVAC system at a higher risk of problems, particularly 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 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 included in 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 noticed a problem with the home’s HVAC system, try calling 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 fixed with a simple tune-up, buying the house might 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 possible replacement costs will 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 H&C Heating and Cooling
If you’re unsure about a possible 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 H&C Heating and Cooling at 301-960-3247.