Buying your first home is an exciting event, but there are also a lot of unknowns. Are there any underlying problems? Do the utililities seem like they’re in good shape? A common 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 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 systems, you may not know what to look for. Fortunately, 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 confirm when the make and model was first manufactured. Older models are sometimes less energy efficient and will often lack useful features availabke 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 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 might not 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 an idea about the degree 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 might leave the HVAC system at a higher risk of problems, namely if the HVAC system hasn’t even been on in a while. Routine maintenance can consist of everything from replacing the air filter to keeping crucial 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, replacing the HVAC system may 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.
Find a Trusted Service Company for an Inspection and Tune-Up
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 extend of existing issues and looking for any others. If the problem can be resolved with a simple tune-up, buying the house should still be worth it.
And there’s always the possibility the previous owner simply wasn’t aware of the problem. If there’s something affecting the HVAC system, it doesn’t hurt to ask if likely 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 Three Rivers Heating & Cooling
If you’re unsure about a possible 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 on your side. They can keep equipment running smoothly with repair and maintenance support. For quality local service, call Three Rivers Heating & Cooling at 503-213-4433.