Purchasing your first home is an exciting decision, but there are also a lot of moving parts. Are there any underlying problems? Do the utililities seem like they’re in good shape? A common thing for first time home buyers to take a look at 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 looking 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 might not know what to look for. Luckily, there are a few pieces of information that can provide 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 can be less energy efficient and can lack convenient features used in new equipment. This is usually 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 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, 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 putting the house on the market. When this is the same service company that installed it, you can get a better sense of the level of service the HVAC equipment has received so far.
Has it received any routine maintenance?
Professional preventative maintenance is one of the best things you can provide HVAC equipment. Previous homeowners don’t always bother, which could leave the HVAC system at a higher risk of problems, particularly if the HVAC system hasn’t even been on in a while. Routine maintenance can include 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 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.
Choose a Trusted Service Company for an Inspection and Tune-Up
If you’ve discovered a problem with the home’s HVAC system, think about calling a trusted local service company before you decide against buying. They can complete a thorough inspection, determining the extend of existing issues and looking for any others. If the problem 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 simply wasn’t aware of the problem. If there’s something wrong with the HVAC system, it never hurts to ask if potential replacement costs will be factored into the cost of the home itself. In any case, the more info you have, the better decisions you can make.
Check Everything Off Your List with ACS Heating and 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 in your corner. They can keep equipment functioning smoothly with repair and maintenance support. For quality local service, call ACS Heating and Air Conditioning at 770-450-1539.