Buying your first home is an exciting milestone, but there are also a lot of moving parts. Are there any hidden problems? Do the utilities seem like they’re holding up? 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 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 take a look at some of the key things you’ll want to know about the HVAC system.

What Should I Have on My HVAC Checklist?

Unless you’re already familiar with HVAC equipment, you might 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 may be less energy efficient and can lack handy 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 do your best 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 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 a better sense of the degree 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 invest in for your HVAC equipment. Previous homeowners may not have bothered with it, which could 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 include everything from replacing the air filter to keeping crucial 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 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 noticed a problem with the home’s HVAC system, think about 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 damage can be resolved 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 never hurts to ask if likely replacement costs can be factored into the cost of the home itself. In any case, the more details you have, the better decisions you can make.

Enjoy Your Comfortable New Home with Northglenn Heating & Air Conditioning

If you’re unsure 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 Northglenn Heating & Air Conditioning at 303-452-4146.