Four HVAC Tips First-Time Home Buyers Should Consider

Buying a home for the first time is both thrilling and terrifying. You know how easy it is to make a mistake and end up with a home that owns you, rather than the other way around. First-time home buyers need to be careful when it comes to their HVAC systems, because repairs and replacement of these systems can add up to significant costs. Here are four HVAC tips you need to keep in mind when you purchase your first home.

• Know the age of the system — How old is the system? Most HVAC equipment will last for 10 to 15 years if it is properly maintained. If the system is nearing the end of its life span, you will need to be prepared for an upcoming replacement. Most first-time home buyers do not have extra money for a major repair or replacement early in their homeownership.
• Know how to maintain the system — Learn how to remove and replace filters, inspect for duct leaks and keep the system clean. Proper maintenance will limit many of the problems first-time home buyers have with their heating systems.
• Know when it was inspected — Ask the home’s current owners for proof of the last HVAC inspection. Inspections can show problems that you can’t see with the HVAC system. This evaluation will show any problems with the system that need to be addressed before you buy the house.
• Know what warranty it has — Does the home’s HVAC system have any warranty? Is the system covered in the home’s warranty? Know what coverage you have so you do not have a costly bill when you purchase the home and find that the HVAC system does not work as advertised.

Buying a home means making many decisions and inspecting everything in the house from top to bottom. Don’t neglect the heating and cooling system as you look for a home. If you would like help inspecting your Coastal Bend area home’s HVAC system, contact the team at CCAC.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Corpus Christi, Texas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).

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