Buying your first home is an exhilarating experience. However, if you don’t know much about homes or household maintenance—closing that deal may also be a little terrifying. The truth is, taking care of your HVAC doesn’t have to be scary. The key is to be proactive before and after the purchase of your home.
Here are several tips to help make your transition to proud homeowner as smooth as possible and to help your new home’s HVAC provide maximum performance for years.
What Buyers Should Look for in a Home HVAC System
There are several key things to look for in the heating and air conditioning system of a house you are considering buying. While none of these things will absolutely, 100% guarantee the system’s performance, they are an indication of what you are potentially buying.
What year was the HVAC system built and installed?
One of the first things to check in the HVAC system of a for-sale home is when it was made and when it was installed. Often, you can find this out by looking at the manufacturer’s label on the outside of the unit. If you can’t find that, look for the serial number on the unit.
That information only tells you when the unit was made, not when it was installed. However, it will give you an indication of how old the unit could be. Older units tend to have less efficiency, whereas newer units are more energy efficient and may have additional comfort features.
What Company Installed the HVAC System?
It’s important to know the age of an air conditioner and furnace in a home you are thinking about buying, but this is only part of the equation. Another key factor is what company did the installation. The skill level of the technician who did the furnace or AC install can have a big impact on how well the system performs. If the current homeowner used a reputable company like Home Heating & Cooling for the HVAC installation, you will have peace of mind knowing the install was done properly. If they used a company with bad reviews or a poor reputation, that may be a red flag.
Has the HVAC system received regular maintenance?
Routine maintenance is an excellent way to make sure an AC unit and furnace run smoothly and efficiently. This keeps them performing at their best and also helps lengthen the lifespan of the units.
Some homeowners and HVAC companies keep a maintenance log near the furnace. This is usually a sheet of paper with the date of repairs or routine check-ups, so you can tell how often the system was serviced. You also can check the furnace filter to see if it is clean and has been replaced recently, or if it is dirty and filter changes have been neglected. It’s important to change filters every month to make sure the air can flow freely through the unit instead of the system straining to force air through a clogged filter.
Hire a Reputable Company for an HVAC Inspection Before You Buy
Many homebuyers wisely hire a home inspector to look over things like the roof, foundation, exterior and the windows and doors. Home inspectors check the house’s major systems, including HVAC, for overall condition and to see that they function. However, you can put your mind at ease hiring the experts at Home Heating & Cooling to conduct a more detailed inspection of the heating and cooling system of any home you are seriously considering buying.
This has two major benefits. First, it could protect you from getting blindsided with a major HVAC repair shortly after possibly sinking a significant amount of your capital into buying the home. Second, if there are issues with the HVAC system—if the inspection determines it should be replaced or repaired—you can seek money to cover those expenses during negotiations with the seller.
Take Care of Your HVAC After You Buy with Home Heating & Cooling
Once you buy a home, it’s important to keep your HVAC system in top working condition. Routine maintenance is a good place to start. The team at Home Heating & Cooling has decades of experience. Some of our team members have been serving the St. Louis area for more than 30 years! That’s why many homeowners—new and old—call on us for their furnace and AC maintenance in O’Fallon. We offer multiple preventative maintenance plans to fit your needs and budget. Home Heating & Cooling also provides a wide variety of HVAC repair services, including skilled air conditioning or furnace installation.