Purchasing your first home is an exciting event, but there are also a lot of moving parts. Are there any underlying problems? Do the appliances seem like they’re in good shape? A common 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 particularly rough 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 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 may not know what to look for. Luckily, there are a few pieces of information that can deliver 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 determine when the make and model was first manufactured. Older models can be less energy efficient and may lack useful features used 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 good shape, especially if routine maintenance has been provided.

What service company installed it?

This may not always be easy to confirm, 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 quality 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 invest in for your HVAC equipment. Previous homeowners don’t always bother with it, which might 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 consist of everything from replacing the air filter to keeping crucial components clean and well-lubricated.

What ratings are available for your HVAC system?

Once you learn 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 included in 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 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, verifying existing issues and looking for any others. If the problem can be resolved with a simple tune-up, buying the house may still be worth it.

And there’s always the possibility the previous owner just wasn’t aware of the problem. If there’s something affecting the HVAC system, it doesn’t hurt to ask if expected replacement costs will 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 Air Commander's Heating & Air Conditioning Co.

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 running smoothly with repair and maintenance support. For quality local service, call Air Commander's Heating & Air Conditioning Co. at 863-216-2923.