Purchasing your first home is an exciting event, but there are also a lot of unknowns. Are there any hidden problems? Do the utililities seem like they’re holding up? A good thing for first time home buyers to check out is the condition of the house’s HVAC system. 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 most important things you’ll want to know about the HVAC system.
What Should Be on Your HVAC Checklist?
Unless you’re already familiar with HVAC equipment, you might not know what to look for. Luckily, there are a few pieces of information that can offer 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 may lack handy features availabke 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 great 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 an idea about the degree of service the HVAC equipment has received so far.
Has it received any routine maintenance?
Routine preventative maintenance is one of the best things you can provide HVAC equipment. Previous homeowners may not have bothered, which could leave the HVAC system at a greater 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 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 consistent problem or even something like a product recall, getting a new HVAC system might have to be considered as part of the 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 checking with a trusted local service company before you decide against buying. They can complete a thorough inspection, confirming existing issues and looking for any others. If the damage can be resolved with a simple tune-up, buying the house might still be worth it.
And there’s always the possibility the previous owner just wasn’t aware of the problem. If there’s something wrong with the HVAC system, it doesn’t hurt to ask if likely replacement costs will 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 Pliescott HVAC Services LLC
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 on your side. They can keep equipment working smoothly with repair and maintenance support. For quality local service, call Pliescott HVAC Services LLC at 410-228-4822.