Are you looking to buy a house? If you are, congratulations! Whether it’s the first time you are looking to purchase a house or not, buying a home is always exciting. It’s always thrilling to start looking around at potential homes that will fit your family’s needs. Today, we want to remind you to check the HVAC system as well when you schedule an appointment to walk through a prospective house. After all, the HVAC system is responsible for your and your family’s safety and comfort throughout the year. Now, we know it may seem a little daunting at first, especially if you don’t know what to look for in regard to an HVAC system. But we want to assure you that you don’t need to worry because your LRF Maintenance, Heating & Cooling experts have identified five red flags that just about anyone looking to buy a home can observe.
IS AN OLDER HVAC SYSTEM CONSIDERED A RED FLAG?
If you’re getting ready to walk through an older house and check it out, make it a point beforehand that you will check out the HVAC units. Usually, older systems (especially systems that are original to the house) are less efficient and more prone to problems. Similar to a vehicle, an HVAC system will wear down with time. Even if the current system is not the original, it is imperative to be aware of its condition and age. 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. A quick examination of the heating and cooling unit should at least provide you with a ballpark idea of the system’s age and state.
This means that if you see a lot of dust buildup or excessive corrosion on the HVAC system, it may very well be an indication that it hasn’t been well-maintained over the years and is an older unit. Keep in mind that an older HVAC system isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Just keep in mind that a well-maintained system can last between 15-20 years. So, if this is the case for you with a house you may be interested in, just keep in mind you might need to replace the heating or cooling unit (or both) in the near future. Knowing this could give you an advantage when negotiating the price of the house if you decide this is the home for you.
IS POOR AIR REGULATION CONSIDERED A RED FLAG?
It’s also important to pay particular attention to the temperature of each room as you continue your walk through the house. This is because inconsistent temperatures between rooms may suggest poor air regulation of the HVAC system. If one room feels stuffy while another is drafty, it could be a cause for concern. There could be various reasons why this is happening, so it’s essential to keep an eye out for it, so you can plan accordingly.
IS A MUSTY ODOR COMING FROM THE HVAC VENTS CONSIDERED A RED FLAG?
Another thing you want to be on the alert for is any unpleasant or musty smells coming from the vents or registers, as they may suggest an underlying problem with the ductwork or another system-related issue. Therefore, it is equally important to use your sense of smell in addition to your visual assessment when evaluating the home and HVAC system.
IS THE HVAC SYSTEM MAKING UNUSUAL NOISES CONSIDERED A RED FLAG?
It is crucial to also listen for any unusual sounds coming from the HVAC system, as they may indicate issues with the equipment, such as loose parts or worn-out components, etc. These sounds can be loud, such as rattling, banging, or buzzing-like noises.
IS A LACK OF HVAC HISTORY CONSIDERED A RED FLAG?
After your tour, if you are still interested in buying the house, we suggest you ask for the history of the HVAC system. This should include details about its maintenance and repairs. If there are no records available, it may indicate that the system was not properly maintained, which is a major concern because it can make it difficult to identify potential issues. Moreover, if a unit has had frequent repairs, be cautious, as it could be a warning sign.
WHY SHOULD YOU SCHEDULE AN HVAC INSPECTION?
Keep in mind that the red flags mentioned should not prevent you from pursuing your dream home. Instead, carefully consider or discuss them to make a more advantageous decision on your part. Furthermore, we suggest consulting a licensed HVAC specialist for an evaluation of the system’s condition and potential problems.
The great news is that we have an HVAC inspection service that includes having a NATE-certified technician come to examine the HVAC system and give a detailed report on its condition. If there are any repairs or upgrades needed, they will also be recommended. (This usually can be negotiated into the terms and arranged by the homeowner if you decide to move forward with the house.)
Even though it may feel like an unnecessary added step in your home-buying process, it’s important to know the condition of the HVAC system in a potential new home you may be moving your family into. Buying a house is a big commitment, so it’s best to be proactive and prepared to avoid any uninvited surprises.
If you’re in need of a reliable local HVAC company or have any questions, LRF Maintenance, Heating & Cooling is here to help! We take pride in offering top-notch customer service and would love the opportunity to show you our great customer service. You can reach us at (614) 837-4822 or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
