Are you in the market to buy a new home? If so, first off, we believe congratulations are in order! That’s an exciting step in this next chapter in your life! Secondly, we feel privileged to have you turn to Beavercreek Heating & Cooling for your HVAC information. We know that buying a new home can absolutely be an overwhelming process. There are many factors to consider and different decisions to mull over, but a home’s HVAC system is a highly essential component of your house. So, deciding the next place to call “home sweet home” should never be taken lightly – as we know you are well aware. We wanted to help make this whole home-searching journey easier for you. It can be hard to know what to look for or what to ask regarding an HVAC system, especially if you have never done so before. So, here are five red flags to watch out for in an HVAC system when looking for a new home.
Red Flag #1: A Significantly Older Unit
Most units should have the manufacturing date written on the label on the side of the unit. But if you have a hard time locating it, as it can be tricky, just aim to give the unit a quick once over. This should give you a very general idea of the age of the unit. What you want to see is a well-taken care of furnace and AC unit. For instance, large piles of dust and signs of corrosion are tell-tale signs that the units have likely not received the care they require. Red flags like this could also be a good indication of the unit’s age. Although age is only a number, you still want to be mindful of it. An HVAC system can last anywhere from 15 to 20 years, depending on the maintenance it has received. Knowing the age of the HVAC system of the house you are interested in purchasing will provide a good point of reference to give you an idea of when the system may need to be upgraded in the future. Keep in mind that a home with an older HVAC system should not be a deal breaker, but it is a significant factor to consider, as this could be a negotiation point in the house’s asking price.
Red Flag #2: Moldy Ductwork and/or Vents
Another thing to watch for as you walk through the house is moldy or dust-laden ducts and vent registers. Keep your eyes open as you visit each room of the house, carefully looking out for any exposed ductwork (usually in a basement). On top of that, you should scan each room for its registers to see if they are ridden with dust. See if you can peek through the slats of any registers and check for signs of mold and excessive dust buildup. It would also be a good idea to look for wear and tear in the ductwork. Gaps or tears in ductwork only mean one thing – air leakage. These types of repairs can be costly, so this is definitely something you want to know ahead of time for negotiating reasons.
Red Flag #3: Loud, Unruly Noises
Are there any loud, unruly noises coming from the HVAC system as you continue your house tour? It’s easy to get distracted as you walk through the home. There’s a lot to look out for and take in visually. You are trying to see if each room fits your family’s needs. But try not to forget to also “keep an ear” out for any unusual noises. Any loud clanging, banging, or whirring noises are all something you want to be mindful of.
Red Flag #4: Stuffy or Drafty Rooms
As you move from room to room, try to take it slow and give your body a chance to react to how the air feels in each room. Is it hot? Is it stuffy? Does the temperature in one room vary greatly from the last room you were just in? If so, this could be a good indicator that the temperature in the home is not well-regulated, and the home may experience patches of inconsistent air.
Red Flag #5: Inconsistent Maintenance Records or Multiple Repairs
This last point is not necessarily one you will be able to scope out yourself as you complete your tour of the home. However, if you decide this is a potential home for you, congrats! We highly suggest that you request a copy of the history of all the home’s HVAC maintenance history. Doing so will give you great insight into how well the system was maintained. It would be considered a red flag if there was no maintenance history, as annual tune-ups and checkups are essential to the long-term lifespan of an HVAC system. Lastly, it never hurts to ask for the warranty policy.
WHAT IS AN HVAC INSPECTION?
Even after walking through a home and knowing what red flags to watch for, it can be a little daunting taking the plunge into buying a new home without knowing all the ins and outs of its HVAC system. But don’t worry! That’s where we come into play! If you decide to move forward with purchasing the house, you can negotiate to have an HVAC inspection scheduled by the owner to have a NATE-certified technician come to the house and provide a detailed report of the HVAC system. This report will provide everything you’ll need to know, such as recommended repairs and upgrades.
And remember, it may seem like an unnecessary step for an already understandably stressful process. Still, regarding your HVAC system, it comes in second place to a roof over your family’s head. An excellent operating heating and cooling system is a basic necessity to keep you and your family cozy and safe throughout all seasons. Therefore, a healthy, well-functioning HVAC system is imperative!
We hope this has given you great insight as you head into this next chapter of finding your new home! If you have any other questions, or perhaps you are in need of a reliable HVAC company you can entrust your home to, give your local Beavercreek Heating & Cooling gang a chance to show you a five-star customer service experience! We’d be ecstatic to serve you! You can contact us at (937) 708-8527 or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
