Purchasing your first home is an exciting milestone, but there are also a lot of unknowns. Are there any underlying problems? Do the appliances seem like they’re holding up? 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.

What Should I Have on My HVAC Checklist?

Unless you’re already familiar with HVAC products, you may not know what to look for. Luckily, 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 confirm when the make and model was first manufactured. Older models are sometimes less energy efficient and will often lack convenient 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 attempt 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 good shape, particularly if routine maintenance has been provided.

What service company installed it?

This might not 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 an idea about 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 do for HVAC equipment. Previous homeowners may not have bothered with it, which might leave the HVAC system at a higher 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, replacing the HVAC system may have 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.

Find an Experienced HVAC Technician for an Inspection and Tune-Up

If you’ve discovered 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, determining the extent of 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 expected replacement costs will be factored into the cost of the home itself. In any case, the more details you have, the better decisions you can make.

Check Everything Off Your List with Brookwood Inc

If you’re unsure about a potential dream home, don’t let a few HVAC problems stop you. 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 Brookwood Inc at 641-316-9803.