Purchasing your first home is an exciting decision, but there are also a lot of unknowns. Are there any underlying problems? Do the utilities seem like they’re in good shape? A common thing for first-time home buyers to inspect 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 searching 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.
What Should Be on Your HVAC Checklist?
Unless you’re already familiar with HVAC equipment, you might 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 learn when the make and model was first manufactured. Older models are sometimes less energy efficient and will often lack convenient features used 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 good shape, especially 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 placing the house on the market. When this is the same service company that installed it, you can get an idea about the quality of service the HVAC equipment has received so far.
Has it received any routine maintenance?
Professional preventive maintenance is one of the best things you can do for HVAC equipment. Previous homeowners don’t always bother with it, 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 consist of everything from replacing the air filter to keeping moving 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 recurring problem or even something like a product recall, getting a new HVAC system might have to be included in total costs. Otherwise, you could move in only to have a broken HVAC system before the last box is unpacked.
Find an Experienced HVAC Technician for a Thorough Inspection
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, verifying existing issues and looking for any others. If the damage can be resolved with a simple tune-up, buying the house may 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 never hurts to ask if likely replacement costs will be factored into the cost of the home itself. In any case, the more details you have, the better decisions you can make.
Keep Your First Home Comfortable with Cytech Heating & Cooling L.C.
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 Cytech Heating & Cooling L.C. at 956-630-3522.