Buying your first home is an exciting decision, but there are also a lot of unknowns. Are there any underlying problems? Do the utilities 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 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.

Why Do I Need an HVAC Checklist?

Unless you’re already familiar with HVAC equipment, you may not know what to look for. Luckily, 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 can be less energy efficient and can lack convenient features available in newer equipment. This is usually fairly easy to find, but it’s also only half the information you want. You should also attempt to 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, 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 an idea about the standard 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 provide HVAC equipment. Previous homeowners don’t always bother with it, which might leave the HVAC system at a greater 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 determine 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 may need 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 an Experienced HVAC Technician for an Inspection and Tune-Up

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 complete a thorough inspection, confirming existing issues and looking for any others. If the problem can be fixed 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 wrong with the HVAC system, it doesn’t hurt to ask if expected 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.

Keep Your First Home Comfortable with Gee & Missler Heating & Air Conditioning

If you’re on the fence about a possible dream home, don’t let a few 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 on your side. They can keep equipment running smoothly with repair and maintenance support. For quality local service, call Gee & Missler Heating & Air Conditioning at 734-284-1224.