Purchasing your first home is an exciting decision, but there are also a lot of moving parts. Are there any underlying problems? Do the utilities 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 especially rough shape can sometimes 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.

Why Do I Need an HVAC Checklist?

Unless you’re already familiar with HVAC equipment, you might not know what to look for. Fortunately, there are a few pieces of information that can deliver 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 confirm when the make and model was first manufactured. Older models may be less energy efficient and will often lack handy features found 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 great shape, particularly if routine maintenance has been provided.

What service company installed it?

This might not always be easy to confirm, but the previous homeowner might have scheduled a tune-up or maintenance visit before putting the house on the market. When this is the same service company that installed it, you can get a better sense of the level 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 provide HVAC equipment. Previous homeowners don’t always bother with it, which might leave the HVAC system at a larger risk of problems, especially 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 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 need to be considered as part of the total costs. Otherwise, you could move in only to have a broken HVAC system before the last box is unpacked.

Call an Experienced HVAC Technician for Services like Maintenance

If you’ve discovered 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 comprehensive inspection, confirming existing issues and looking for any others. If the damage 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 wrong with the HVAC system, it never hurts to ask if potential replacement costs will be factored into the cost of the home itself. In any case, the more information you have, the better decisions you can make.

Check Everything Off Your List with AC Sales

If you’re unsure about a potential 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 working smoothly with repair and maintenance support. For quality local service, call AC Sales at (337) 234-2345.