Buying your first home is an exciting event, but there are also a lot of unknowns. Are there any hidden problems? Do the utilities seem like they’re holding up? A common thing for first-time home buyers to inspect is the condition of the house’s HVAC system. 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 most important things you’ll want to know about the HVAC system.
What Should I Have on My HVAC Checklist?
Unless you’re already familiar with HVAC systems, you may not know what to look for. Fortunately, there are a few pieces of information that can deliver 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 find out when the make and model was first manufactured. Older models may be less energy efficient and will often lack convenient features available in new equipment. This should be 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 good shape, particularly 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 putting the house up for sale. 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 provide HVAC equipment. Previous homeowners don’t always bother with it, which can sometimes leave the HVAC system at a larger risk of problems, particularly 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 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, consider calling a trusted local service company before you decide against buying. They can complete a comprehensive inspection, determining the extent of existing issues and looking for any others. If the damage can be fixed 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 wrong with 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 info you have, the better decisions you can make.
Keep Your First Home Comfortable with Gilray Heating and Cooling
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.
Don’t forget 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 Gilray Heating and Cooling at 715-301-0727.