Buying 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 in good shape? A good thing for first-time home buyers to take a look at is the condition of the house’s HVAC heating and cooling. A furnace that’s in especially bad shape could 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.
Why Do I Need an HVAC Checklist?
Unless you’re already familiar with HVAC systems, you may not know what to look for. Thankfully, there are a few pieces of information that can offer 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 determine when the make and model was first manufactured. Older models may be less energy efficient and will often lack handy 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 try and find out when the equipment 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 may 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?
Quality preventive maintenance is one of the best things you can do for HVAC equipment. Previous homeowners don’t always bother with it, which might leave the HVAC system at a larger risk of problems, especially if the HVAC system hasn’t even been on in a while. Routine maintenance can include everything from replacing the air filter to keeping moving 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 consistent problem or even something like a product recall, replacing the 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.
Find a Trusted Service Company for Services like Maintenance
If you’ve noticed a problem with the home’s HVAC system, try 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 resolved 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 doesn’t hurt to ask if possible replacement costs will be factored into the cost of the home itself. In any case, the more info you have, the better decisions you can make.
Enjoy Your Comfortable New Home with Fire & Ice HVAC
If you’re on the fence about a potential 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 in your corner. They can keep equipment functioning smoothly with repair and maintenance support. For quality local service, call Fire & Ice HVAC at 703-595-4157.