Buying your first home is an exciting event, but there are also a lot of unknowns. Are there any underlying problems? Do the appliances 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 can sometimes 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 I Have on My 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 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 confirm when the make and model was first manufactured. Older models are sometimes less energy efficient and can lack handy features found in new equipment. This should be 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 verify, 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 standard 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 provide HVAC equipment. Previous homeowners may not have bothered with it, which can sometimes leave the HVAC system at a greater risk of problems, especially 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 important 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, 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.
Work with a Trusted Service Company for a Thorough Inspection
If you’ve found a problem with the home’s HVAC system, consider calling a trusted local service company before you decide against buying. They can complete a thorough inspection, verifying existing issues and looking for any others. If the damage 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 wrong with 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.
Check Everything Off Your List with Tokay
If you’re unsure about a possible dream home, don’t let a few 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 working smoothly with repair and maintenance support. For quality local service, call Tokay at 209-257-3156.