Buying 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 good thing for first-time home buyers to review is the condition of the house’s HVAC equipment. 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 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. Fortunately, 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 confirm when the make and model was first manufactured. Older models are sometimes less energy efficient and will often lack handy features available 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 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 may 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 level of service the HVAC equipment has received so far.

Has it received any routine maintenance?

Routine preventive maintenance is one of the best things you can provide HVAC equipment. Previous homeowners may not have bothered with it, which might leave the HVAC system at a higher risk of problems, particularly 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 important 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, 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.

Work with an Experienced HVAC Technician for Services like Maintenance

If you’ve noticed a problem with the home’s HVAC system, consider calling 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 problem 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 wrong with 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 information you have, the better decisions you can make.

Enjoy Your Comfortable New Home with LTS Plumbing & Heating Inc.

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 in your corner. They can keep equipment functioning smoothly with repair and maintenance support. For quality local service, call LTS Plumbing & Heating Inc. at 570-648-0748.