If you are in the market for a new home, that’s amazing – congratulations! That’s definitely a milestone to be proud of! We appreciate you choosing Eastland Heating & Cooling for your HVAC information. We also understand that purchasing a new home can be a daunting task. There are, of course, so many factors to consider when looking for a new home. Just remember, the HVAC system is a crucial component that should not be taken lightly. To make the home-searching process easier for you, we have compiled a list of five red flags to watch out for when it comes to a potential house’s HVAC system.
IS AN OLDER HVAC SYSTEM A RED FLAG?
Most HVAC units will have the manufacturing date written on a label on the side of the unit. But if you have a hard time locating it, try to visually examine the HVAC units for signs of proper maintenance, age, etc., instead. During your tour of the home, it is recommended that you visually examine the home’s HVAC units, if possible. Now, this doesn’t mean you yourself are performing an extensive inspection but merely giving the units a quick once over. You are looking for a clean and well-maintained furnace and AC unit. Large accumulations of dust and signs of corrosion are indications that the units have not been properly maintained, which can also give you a general idea of the age of the unit.
Keep in mind that a house with an older HVAC system is not really a bad thing and should never be a true deal breaker for you, but it’s important to know that HVAC systems usually last for 15 to 20 years, depending on the care they have received. Therefore, knowing the age of the system in the house you want to buy will help you understand when it might need to be replaced – ultimately, a great negotiating point should you decide to move forward with the house.
ARE MOLDY & VENTS & WORN-DOWN DUCTWORK A RED FLAG?
As you walk through the house, it’s also a good idea to be on the lookout for ducts and vent registers that are either moldy or filled with excessive piles of dust. Try checking the registers in each room for any signs of dust buildup, and look in the slats of the registers for signs of mold if you can. Red flags like these are tell-tale signs of the upkeep the HVAC system was given over the past years. On top of that, it is also advisable to look for any damage in exposed ductwork, such as gaps or tears, as it may cause air leakage. These types of repairs can be expensive, so it’s crucial to know about them beforehand for negotiating purposes.
IS A LOUD HVAC SYSTEM A RED FLAG?
While touring the house, you don’t just want to be attentive to only visual red flags. Audible red flags are just as important to be on the alert for. So, try to listen carefully for any loud or unruly noises coming from the HVAC system as you continue your walk-through of each room. Listen for sounds like clanging, banging, or whirring, which may indicate an underlying problem with the system that needs to be addressed.
IS A STUFFY OR DRAFTY ROOM A RED FLAG?
When you move from one room to another, take your time and pay attention to how the air feels in each space. Is it hot or stuffy? Does the temperature change significantly from the previous room? If it does, this may mean that the temperature in the house is not well-controlled, and there are inconsistencies in the air regulation. This could be due to various reasons, but it is something of which you will want to be aware.
ARE INCONSISTENT HVAC MAINTENANCE RECORDS A RED FLAG?
Lastly, if you’re interested in this potential home, we recommend requesting a copy of the HVAC maintenance history. This information will reveal how well the system was maintained and could help you determine if there are any issues to be aware of. It’s important to note that not having a maintenance history could be a red flag, as annual tune-ups and checkups are crucial to the long-term lifespan of an HVAC system. Additionally, it’s a good idea to ask for the warranty policy of each unit.
WHY GET AN HVAC INSPECTION?
If you’re feeling nervous about buying a home without fully understanding the HVAC system, we’ve got you covered! Even if you know what red flags to look out for during your house tour, it can still be overwhelming. The good news is that you can request an HVAC inspection with us, where one of our NATE-certified technicians will visit the home and provide a comprehensive report on the HVAC system. This report will include recommendations for repairs and upgrades, so you’ll have all the information you need and know exactly what you’re getting into. (This usually can be negotiated into the terms and arranged by the homeowner if you decide to move forward with the house.)
Please remember that although it may seem like an additional step during an already stressful process, having a properly functioning HVAC system is just as important as having a roof over your family’s head. It is a basic necessity to ensure your family is comfortable and safe all year round. So, having a healthy and efficient HVAC system is crucial.
If you have any other questions or are in need of a trustworthy HVAC company, please consider giving Eastland Heating & Cooling a chance to provide you with excellent customer service. We would be thrilled to assist you! You can contact us at (614) 861-5203 or schedule an appointment now by clicking here!
Trust The
