When buying a house, your first line of defense against making a poor investment is getting a home inspection. This can reveal major problems that not only compromise your comfort and safety, but also add thousands more to the cost of the home. One important step is to have your inspector check the condition of the furnace to determine if you’ll need to call an HVAC contractor for repairs or a replacement. To ensure you don’t get stuck in your new home without an operational heating system, use the following tips for examining and buying a furnace.

What to Look for During a Home Inspection 

When preparing for a home inspection, ask for a full assessment of the furnace. You should have a licensed HVAC contractor present as well. They should first evaluate the age and efficiency of the system. An older furnace may be prone to frequent repairs or on its way to a complete breakdown. It may also be costly to run due to low efficiency.

Additionally, it’s essential that they check to ensure the equipment is properly installed and up to code, as well as review the maintenance sticker to see if there has been a number of service calls in a short period. This could indicate a failing furnace.  

How to Choose a New Furnace 

If any issues are discovered during the home inspection, it may be most cost-effective to have your HVAC contractor replace the furnace with an upgraded model. They can help you find the most suitable product for your household. Before making your selection, look for one that comes highly rated for its efficiency, such as ENERGY STAR® rated products. You must also make sure you get the right size and fuel source for your home. Some advanced features to consider include corrosion-resistant heat exchangers, pressure switches, induced draft blowers, and an insulated blower compartment. 

Doing your due diligence and getting a thorough home inspection report will help you avoid buying a home with a faulty furnace. If you need a trusted HVAC contractor to assist in the inspection, perform repairs, or install a new furnace, contact Donovan & Jorgenson. Having served the greater Milwaukee, WI, area for more than 30 years, they are equipped with all the knowledge and experience necessary to keep your heating system working at peak performance. Visit them online to learn more about the products and services they provide.