Purchasing your first home is an exciting milestone, 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 check out 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 looking elsewhere.

So if you’re a first-time home buyer, what should be on your HVAC checklist? Let’s review 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 systems, you might not know what to look for. Luckily, there are a few pieces of information that can provide 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 find out when the make and model was first manufactured. Older models can be less energy efficient and may lack useful features available in newer 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 isn’t always be easy to verify, 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 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 could 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 include everything from replacing the air filter to keeping moving 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 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, try checking with a trusted local service company before you decide against buying. They can perform a thorough inspection, confirming existing issues and looking for any others. If the damage can be fixed 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 affecting the HVAC system, it never hurts to ask if likely replacement costs can be factored into the cost of the home itself. In any case, the more information you have, the better decisions you can make.

Keep Your First Home Comfortable with Thurston Heating & Air Conditioning

If you’re on the fence about a possible dream home, don’t let some 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 in your corner. They can keep equipment working smoothly with repair and maintenance support. For quality local service, call Thurston Heating & Air Conditioning at 308-624-3485.