Purchasing your first home is an exciting event, but there are also a lot of moving parts. Are there any underlying problems? Do the utilities seem like they’re holding up? A good thing for first-time home buyers to review is the condition of the house’s HVAC heating and cooling. A furnace that’s in especially 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 take a look at 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 equipment, 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 equipment is in.
What year was the equipment manufactured and installed?
If you can, you’ll want to confirm when the make and model was first manufactured. Older models can be less energy efficient and can lack convenient features available in new 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 placing the house up for sale. 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?
Routine preventive maintenance is one of the best things you can invest in for your HVAC equipment. Previous homeowners may not have bothered with it, which could leave the HVAC system at a greater risk of problems, namely if the HVAC system hasn’t even been on 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 recurring problem or even something like a product recall, replacing the HVAC system may need 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 an Experienced HVAC Technician for a Thorough Inspection
If you’ve discovered a problem with the home’s HVAC system, think about checking with 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 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 impacting the HVAC system, it never hurts to ask if possible replacement costs can be factored into the cost of the home itself. In any case, the more information you have, the better decisions you can make.
Check Everything Off Your List with ACE Solutions
If you’re unsure 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 on your side. They can keep equipment working smoothly with repair and maintenance support. For quality local service, call ACE Solutions at 201-579-2562.