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 underlying problems? Do the utilities seem like they’re holding up? A common thing for first-time home buyers to take a look at is the condition of the house’s HVAC heating and cooling. A furnace that’s in particularly rough shape may 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 systems, you might not know what to look for. Thankfully, 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 find out when the make and model was first manufactured. Older models can be less energy efficient and may lack convenient features found in newer 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 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 isn’t always be easy to find out, 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 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 don’t always bother with it, which might leave the HVAC system at a greater risk of problems, namely if the HVAC system hasn’t even been on in a while. Routine maintenance can consist of 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 consistent problem or even something like a product recall, getting a new HVAC system might 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.

Work with a Trusted Service Company for a Thorough Inspection

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, 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 should still be worth it.

And there’s always a chance the previous owner simply wasn’t aware of the problem. If there’s something affecting the HVAC system, it never hurts to ask if potential 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 Three Rivers Heating and Cooling

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.

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 Three Rivers Heating and Cooling at (503) 739-5400.