HVAC Checklist for First Time Home Buyers

Purchasing your first home is an exciting event, but there are also a lot of moving parts. Are there any hidden problems? Do the appliances seem like they’re holding up? A good thing for first time home buyers to take a look at 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 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. Fortunately, 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 find out when the make and model was first manufactured. Older models may be less energy efficient and will often lack handy features found in newer equipment. This should be fairly easy to find, but it’s also only half the information you want. You should also do your best 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 great 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 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 degree of service the HVAC equipment has received so far.

Has it received any routine maintenance?

Quality preventative maintenance is one of the best things you can provide HVAC equipment. Previous homeowners may not have bothered, which can sometimes leave the HVAC system at a larger risk of problems, particularly if the HVAC system hasn’t even been used in a while. Routine maintenance can include everything from replacing the air filter to keeping important 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 may 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.

Choose 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 complete a thorough inspection, verifying 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 a chance the previous owner just wasn’t aware of the problem. If there’s something wrong with the HVAC system, it doesn’t hurt to ask if possible replacement costs can 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 Abilene Air-Tech Inc

If you’re on the fence 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.

Don’t forget 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 Abilene Air-Tech Inc at (325) 692-5850.