Buying your first home is an exciting decision, but there are also a lot of unknowns. Are there any hidden problems? Do the utilities seem like they’re in good shape? A good thing for first-time home buyers to check out is the condition of the house’s HVAC heating and cooling. A furnace that’s in especially rough shape may 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 most important 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. Thankfully, 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 find out when the make and model was first manufactured. Older models can be less energy efficient and can lack convenient 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 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, particularly if routine maintenance has been provided.

What service company installed it?

This might not always be easy to find out, but the previous homeowner may 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 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 provide HVAC equipment. Previous homeowners don’t always bother with it, which could 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 include everything from replacing the air filter to keeping key components clean and well-lubricated.

What ratings are available for your HVAC system?

Once you find 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 might have to be factored into 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 an Inspection and Tune-Up

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 comprehensive inspection, verifying 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 impacting the HVAC system, it doesn’t hurt to ask if likely 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 Lakeside Heating & Air

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.

Remember to have a trustworthy service company on your side. They can keep equipment functioning smoothly with repair and maintenance support. For quality local service, call Lakeside Heating & Air at 509-284-4265.