Buying your first home is an exciting decision, but there are also a lot of moving parts. Are there any underlying problems? Do the utilities seem like they’re holding up? A common thing for first-time home buyers to check out is the condition of the house’s HVAC equipment. A furnace that’s in particularly bad shape can sometimes 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 review some of the most important things you’ll want to know about the HVAC system.
Why Do I Need an 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 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 may be less energy efficient and will often 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 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 placing the house on the market. When this is the same service company that installed it, you can get an idea about the standard of service the HVAC equipment has received so far.
Has it received any routine maintenance?
Routine 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 larger risk of problems, especially 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 crucial 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 consistent problem or even something like a product recall, replacing the HVAC system may 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.
Work with a Trusted Service Company for Services like Maintenance
If you’ve noticed a problem with the home’s HVAC system, think about checking with a trusted local service company before you decide against buying. They can complete a comprehensive inspection, confirming existing issues and looking for any others. If the issue can be fixed with a simple tune-up, buying the house may still be worth it.
And there’s always a chance the previous owner just wasn’t aware of the problem. If there’s something affecting the HVAC system, it doesn’t hurt to ask if potential 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 Custom Air Systems Inc
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.
Remember to have a trustworthy service company on your side. They can keep equipment working smoothly with repair and maintenance support. For quality local service, call Custom Air Systems Inc at 772-247-2283.
