Many potential homeowners wonder how they can find out when the last time the furnace or A/C unit was serviced. It’s a solid question and one that bears some explanation. After all, you don’t want to purchase a home thinking everything is in proper working order, only to find out that the furnace is on its last legs.
Find Out When the Last Time the Furnace or A/C Unit was Serviced
How to Check if Service has Been Performed?
There are a few routes you can take to check if the regular maintenance has been kept up on your furnace or air conditioning unit. The first and easiest is to look at the label on the unit. Every professional service technician will write the date of service on the label.
You could also try asking the homeowner when it was last serviced, by whom, and how often it was serviced. It’s possible there may be information about the condition of the furnace or a/c unit in the disclosure statement of the house listing as well. When you get this information, contact the company that they say serviced it to verify. A reputable HVAC company will have records of all visits to service the system.
Having the property inspected is another option. Although, as the homebuyer, you should be sure to have the purchase contract contingent on inspections. Inspections can reveal issues not noticeable by looking at the units. These issues can include:
- Life expectancy. A qualified technician can tell you the age and condition of the unit, as well as the condition and life expectancy of the system, as well as some of the more important components of the unit.
- The severity of the condition. The inspector will also be able to determine the severity of the system and components, the cost associated with replacing or repairing them, and how long they will last.
What to Know Before Purchasing
Ben Buys Indy Houses wants you to be fully informed before purchasing your next home, so we’ve compiled this list of important points to know:
- What type of system:
Knowing what type of heating and cooling system is in the home is important in determining the amount and type of maintenance the unit requires. Ask the heating and cooling expert to tell you what type of system the home has and what the pros and cons are about that system. - What is the power source:
You should also ask the technician what type of power source is required of the system. Knowing if the system is electric, gas, or thermal powered will allow you to research the costs associated with that type of power source. - What are the heating and cooling costs year-round:
As a homebuyer, it’s a good idea to inquire about the costs of heating and cooling for the house during all phases of the year. Knowing the costs during the peak season will help you plan for the inevitable spikes that will show in your utility bills. If the costs don’t seem to jive for the size of the home, it could be a red flag. Likewise, a consistently high bill could indicate an efficiency issue within the home. The system may not be working properly, or it could indicate that the home, itself, is not insulated or sealed properly. - Is there a warranty on the system:
Determine if there is a warranty on the units and if it will transfer with the ownership of the home. Ask for documentation of the warranty and look over the terms and conditions. - Is there a service agreement for the system:
Many homeowners make the wise choice of purchasing a service agreement with a local HVAC company. These agreements will provide regular maintenance to the furnace before winter and to the a/c unit before summer. Purchasing a service agreement allows the homeowner to be scheduled prior to those without an agreement. This is a huge advantage because technicians can get backed up with maintenance appointments quickly. If there is a service agreement, find out if it transfers with the ownership of the home.
Tips for Keeping Your System Maintained:
Knowing how to maintain your system is important to the overall lifespan of your furnace or a/c unit. The following are some tips to help you know what to check check out this video from Direct Energy on why it’s important to maintain your furnace and what to expect from a professional.
- Before beginning, turn off the unit
- Check for gas leaks. If you find a leak, call a professional to fix it.
- Clean and replace the filter
- Check the thermostat; most thermostats these days have batteries, so your first step is to change the batteries. Then check to make sure units turn on when expected.
- Clean the blower. Locate the blower, it’s generally near the air filter. Use a damp cloth to clean the blower.
- Clean or repair furnace ducts. If you’re unsure of how to do this, call a professional duct cleaning service
- Clean the vents
- Inspect the fan
If you are getting ready to sell and want to sell quickly and for cash, contact BenBuys.wpengine.com to see how we can help you sell in 30 days or less.
