Purchasing your first home is an exciting milestone, but there are also a lot of unknowns. Are there any hidden problems? Do the appliances 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 equipment. A furnace that’s in particularly rough 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 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 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 equipment is in.
What year was the equipment manufactured and installed?
If you can, you’ll want to find out when the make and model was first manufactured. Older models are sometimes 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 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, especially 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 placing 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?
Quality preventative maintenance is one of the best things you can invest in for your HVAC equipment. Previous homeowners may not have bothered, which may leave the HVAC system at a greater risk of problems, particularly 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 determine 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 need to be included in 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 discovered 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, determining the extend of existing issues and looking for any others. If the issue can be resolved with a simple tune-up, buying the house may still be worth it.
And there’s always the possibility the previous owner simply wasn’t aware of the problem. If there’s something affecting the HVAC system, it never hurts 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 A&M Heating & Cooling LLC
If you’re on the fence about a possible dream home, don’t let some 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 running smoothly with repair and maintenance support. For quality local service, call A&M Heating & Cooling LLC at 520-200-1048.