Buying your first home is an exciting milestone, but there are also a lot of unknowns. Are there any hidden problems? Do the appliances 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 equipment. A furnace that’s in especially rough 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 take a look at some of the key 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 might 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 can be less energy efficient and may 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 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 good 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 a better sense of the degree of service the HVAC equipment has received so far.

Has it received any routine maintenance?

Routine preventive maintenance is one of the best things you can invest in for your 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 used in a while. Routine maintenance can include everything from replacing the air filter to keeping key 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, getting a new HVAC system might need to be included in total costs. Otherwise, you could move in only to have a broken HVAC system before the last box is unpacked.

Work with an Experienced HVAC Technician for a Thorough Inspection

If you’ve found a problem with the home’s HVAC system, consider checking with a trusted local service company before you decide against buying. They can perform a comprehensive inspection, determining the extent of existing issues and looking for any others. If the issue can be resolved with a simple tune-up, buying the house may 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 doesn’t hurt to ask if potential 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.

Enjoy Your Comfortable New Home with Air Temperature Control

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.

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 Air Temperature Control at 478-202-3170.