If you’re seriously considering purchasing a prospective home, it’s a good idea to make sure the usual prepurchase inspection includes a close checkup of HVAC components installed in the house. The heating and cooling system is among the most costly components in a typical home. If the HVAC system is marginal for some reason, it’s good to know this in advance, before you make an offer or sign a contract. Ask these questions before signing on the dotted line:

• How old is the heating and cooling system in your prospective home? As years pass, HVAC systems incur predictable wear and tear. If the system is nearing the end of the expected service life, it’s important to consider that you may need to replace these components soon after purchasing the home. This represents a meaningful expense you’ll need to plan for. Older units incorporate old technology too. This can mean that energy efficiency is lower and that your monthly operating costs will be higher than those of a newer unit.
• Is the HVAC system in your prospective home fully operational? Owners of a home who plan to sell the house may opt to put off the expense of needed repairs or replacement of an HVAC system. As a result, the new owner of the home may have some unpleasant surprises when they turn on the system and discover that it needs expensive service to restore performance and reliability or a complete replacement.
• Is the HVAC manufacturer warranty still valid? An HVAC warranty can be an important asset if expensive repairs are needed on a system. In many cases, a valid warranty can be transferred from the original owner to the new buyer of the house. However, if the present owner failed to comply with certain warranty terms, such as getting regular professional preventative maintenance for the system, that warranty may no longer be valid. It’s important to know whether or not you can count on a valid warranty on the existing heating and cooling system before you buy the house.

If you’re a prospective home buyer, ask Jackson & Sons about a professional inspection of the heating and cooling components in the house before you close the deal.