Buying your first home is an exciting event, but there are also a lot of unknowns. Are there any underlying problems? Do the utilities seem like they’re holding up? A good thing for first-time home buyers to review is the condition of the house’s HVAC equipment. 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.

What Should Be on Your HVAC Checklist?

Unless you’re already familiar with HVAC products, 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 convenient 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 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, particularly if routine maintenance has been provided.

What service company installed it?

This may not always be easy to verify, but the previous homeowner might have scheduled a tune-up or maintenance visit before placing the house up for sale. When this is the same service company that installed it, you can get a better sense of the quality 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 may not have bothered with it, which could leave the HVAC system at a higher 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 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 might 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.

Find a Trusted Service Company for an Inspection and Tune-Up

If you’ve noticed a problem with the home’s HVAC system, try checking with a trusted local service company before you decide against buying. They can perform a comprehensive inspection, confirming existing issues and looking for any others. If the issue can be resolved with a simple tune-up, buying the house might still be worth it.

And there’s always the possibility the previous owner simply wasn’t aware of the problem. If there’s something affecting 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 info you have, the better decisions you can make.

Check Everything Off Your List with Assured Appliance & Heating & Air

If you’re unsure 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.

Remember to have a trustworthy service company in your corner. They can keep equipment working smoothly with repair and maintenance support. For quality local service, call Assured Appliance & Heating & Air at 847-306-8990.