Purchasing your first home is an exciting decision, but there are also a lot of moving parts. Are there any hidden problems? Do the appliances 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 may 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.
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 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 learn when the make and model was first manufactured. Older models are sometimes less energy efficient and can lack useful features available in newer equipment. This should be 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, especially if routine maintenance has been provided.
What service company installed it?
This isn’t always be easy to verify, but the previous homeowner may 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 quality of service the HVAC equipment has received so far.
Has it received any routine maintenance?
Quality preventive maintenance is one of the best things you can do for HVAC equipment. Previous homeowners may not have bothered with it, which might leave the HVAC system at a greater risk of problems, namely if the HVAC system hasn’t even been used in a while. Routine maintenance can include everything from replacing the air filter to keeping key 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 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.
Work with an Experienced HVAC Technician for a Thorough Inspection
If you’ve noticed a problem with the home’s HVAC system, consider calling a trusted local service company before you decide against buying. They can perform a thorough inspection, determining the extent of existing issues and looking for any others. If the problem can be fixed with a simple tune-up, buying the house should 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 info you have, the better decisions you can make.
Check Everything Off Your List with Wallpe Heating & Cooling
If you’re on the fence 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.
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 Wallpe Heating & Cooling at 812-663-7252.