Purchasing your first home is an exciting decision, but there are also a lot of unknowns. 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 bad shape may 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 most important things you’ll want to know about the HVAC system.

What Should Be on Your 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 provide 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 useful 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 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 find out, but the previous homeowner may 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 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 do for HVAC equipment. Previous homeowners don’t always bother with it, which might leave the HVAC system at a larger risk of problems, namely 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 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 consistent problem or even something like a product recall, getting a new HVAC system may need 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 discovered a problem with the home’s HVAC system, try 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 resolved 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 affecting the HVAC system, it doesn’t hurt 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.

Check Everything Off Your List with Vogts 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.

Don’t forget 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 Vogts Heating & Air at 208-621-0129.