Are you currently looking to purchase a new home? If yes, we would like to congratulate you on taking this exciting step forward! We are also grateful that you have chosen Circleville Heating & Cooling as your go-to for HVAC information. We understand that buying a new home can be a complicated process, and we are here to help! Choosing a new home involves considering various factors, and the HVAC system is a crucial one. So, if you’re unsure about what to look for or ask about HVAC systems when touring a potential home, we’ve compiled five red flags to watch out for to make it a bit easier on you!
IS A SIGNIFICANTLY OLDER UNIT 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. What you want to see is a furnace and AC unit that is well-maintained. The presence of significant dust buildup or signs of corrosion could imply that the unit has not been properly maintained over the years. Furthermore, these red flags could also be an indication of the unit’s age. Just keep in mind that determining the age of the unit simply by looking at it is not completely accurate, but at least it will give you a general idea.
It is also important to keep in mind the age of the HVAC system when looking to buy a house. Typically, an HVAC system lasts between 15 to 20 years, depending on maintenance. Although an older unit should definitely not be the deciding factor in your overall decision-making, knowing the age of the HVAC system can give you an idea of when it may need to be upgraded. And with that information, it could be a good negotiation point with the seller.
ARE MOLDY REGISTERS & EXCESSIVE DUST BUILDUP A RED FLAG?
As you continue your walk-through of the house, be sure to check for moldy or dusty ducts and vent registers. You want to take a careful look at each room and check the HVAC registers in each area, looking for signs of excessive dust buildup or mold. Spotting signs like this are huge red flags concerning the upkeep of the home’s HVAC system. It will also give you an idea of what things may need to be done before having the home move-in-ready (I.e., duct cleaning, etc.) Additionally, you should try to inspect any exposed ductwork you may see in the home for signs of wear and tear, such as gaps or tears, which may indicate air leakage. It is advisable to identify these issues beforehand for negotiation purposes, as repairs can be expensive.
ARE LOUD, IRREGULAR NOISES A RED FLAG?
It’s easy to catch red flags visually when you know what to look for, but don’t discount audible red flags in the process of keeping an eye out for the visual ones. You will most certainly be focused on looking at the space in the house, viewing where the windows are, peeking in closets, and trying to imagine where your own belongings would fit in the house, but don’t forget to keep your ears peeled for any unusual sounds coming from the HVAC system, such as loud clanging, banging, or whirring. These are all clear signs that there may be an underlying issue going on with the system.
ARE INCONSISTENT TEMPERATURES A RED FLAG?
While moving around the house, it’s important to take your time and pay attention to the temperature and air quality in each room. Notice if a room feels hot or stuffy or if the temperature changes significantly from one room to the next. This can indicate that the HVAC system is not doing a great job of regulating the air throughout the home.
ARE INCONSISTENT MAINTENANCE RECORDS A RED FLAG?
If you are interested in the home, we recommend requesting the HVAC maintenance history to see if the system has been regularly checked and tuned up. It would be considered a red flag if there is no maintenance history, as annual checkups are necessary for the HVAC system to function well for a long time. Additionally, you can inquire about the warranty policy for both the heating and cooling units as an extra precaution.
IS AN HVAC INSPECTION BENEFICIAL?
If you’re feeling uncertain about buying a new home without knowing everything about its HVAC system, we are here to help! We can assist you by scheduling an HVAC inspection where a NATE-certified technician will visit the property and prepare a comprehensive report on the HVAC system. The report will include all the necessary details, including suggested upgrades and repairs. (This usually can be negotiated into the terms and arranged by the homeowner if you decide to move forward with the house.)
Please keep in mind that although doing so may seem like an extra burden during an already stressful time, ensuring that the HVAC system in your potential new home is in good working condition is just as important as having a roof over your family’s head. A functional heating and cooling system are necessary for keeping you and your loved ones comfortable and safe throughout all seasons.
We hope you found this information helpful as you begin your search for a new home. If you have any questions or need a trustworthy HVAC company, consider contacting Circleville Heating & Cooling. We pride ourselves on providing five-star customer service and would be thrilled to assist you! You can contact us at (740) 218-5323, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
