Have you been searching for your next home? If so, congrats! It’s definitely a milestone to celebrate whether you’re a first-time or seasoned homebuyer. Though searching for a home can be exciting, it can also be overwhelming as there are quite a bit of details to consider. However, today, your favorite heating and cooling professionals want to remind you not to overlook the HVAC system in the process of visiting potential houses you’re interested in.
Since the HVAC system is responsible for keeping you and your family comfortable and safe all year round, it’s important to know its condition beforehand. Now, it can be challenging to identify red flags in an HVAC system unless you’re an HVAC professional. Fortunately, Upper Arlington Heating & Air’s team has put together a list of five red flags that ANYBODY searching for a house can easily keep an eye out for during a walkthrough.
RED FLAG ONE: THE AGE OF THE HVAC SYSTEM
The first thing we want to address is older HVAC systems. If you’re considering buying an older house, it’s crucial to know whether it still has its original HVAC system. Generally, older systems are less energy-efficient and more prone to encountering problems. Similar to a car wearing out with time, HVAC systems can also degrade as time passes. Additionally, even if it’s not the original system, you still want to be mindful of older systems. Therefore, it’s necessary to assess the age and physical state of the HVAC system when possible. Most house listings will actually contain this information in the description. Still, if yours happens not to have it, a brief once-over during your home tour should at least provide you with a generalized idea of the system’s age and condition.
If you spot an absurd amount of dust or corrosion on the HVAC unit, it’s a good indicator that it hasn’t been maintained well over the years. HVAC units are supposed to have at least one annual checkup a year for maintenance reasons. Remember that an older HVAC system isn’t necessarily bad, but since well-maintained ones typically last 15-20 years, should you move forward with this house, you may have to replace the heating or cooling unit (or both) in the near future. Being aware of this before buying the house could give you an advantage when negotiating back and forth.
RED FLAG TWO: DRAFTS OR UNREGULATED AIR
As you tour the home, enter and observe each room. Of course, you will be looking for things like the size of the room, checking the windows, opening closets, etc. But don’t forget to stop and “feel the breeze.” That is to say, you just want to observe the temperature. You may just be surprised to find that one room in the house is a lot stuffier or even draftier than the rest. There may be multiple reasons for this, but inconsistent air regulation is yet another thing you will want to be aware of. If you end up moving into this house, it’ll likely end up being an issue that will need to be looked at down the road.
RED FLAG THREE: UNPLEASANT OR MUSTY ODORS
Regarding questionable odors, it is important to also take notice of any unpleasant or musty smells as they can indicate a problem with the ductwork or other system-related issues. For this reason, it is equally important not to write off any odd smells you may get a whiff of. A duct cleaning may be in the cards for this HVAC system, another thing you could potentially work into your back-and-forth negotiations.
RED FLAG FOUR: STRANGE SOUNDS
Next, you want to be on the lookout for any unusual sounds from the HVAC system, as they could be a sign of component problems, such as loose or worn-out parts. Some examples of these odd sounds are loud rattling, banging, or buzzing noises, so please be sure “keep an ear out” for this red flag too.
RED FLAG FIVE: NO HVAC MAINTENANCE
After the tour, if you are still interested in buying the house, it’s recommended that you ask for the HVAC system’s history or documentation. This information should cover its maintenance and any repairs done in the past. Not having any records available may suggest that the system has not been maintained well, which is most definitely a red flag. Furthermore, be cautious if a specific unit has undergone excessive repairs, as this is yet another red flag you want to watch out for.
WHY SHOULD YOU REQUEST AN HVAC INSPECTION?
Please keep in mind that the red flags listed above should by no means automatically prevent you from pursuing your dream home. We do not believe they are deal breakers. Rather, think of them as something to look out for so you can carefully consider your options, negotiate, and plan accordingly. Moreover, it is highly advised that you consult with a licensed HVAC expert for their professional evaluation of the system’s condition and any potential problems.
Fortunately, we have an HVAC inspection service available, where a NATE-certified technician will go out to the house, inspect the HVAC system and provide a detailed report on its condition. If there are any required repairs or upgrades, they will be suggested too. (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 seem like an additional unnecessary step, it is essential to know the condition of the HVAC system in a potential new home beforehand. Buying a house is a big commitment; being sufficiently prepared is imperative to avoid unexpected surprises and headaches later.
If you need assistance with HVAC services and are searching for a reputable local company, Upper Arlington Heating & Air is here for all your HVAC needs! You can reach us at (614) 490-7507, or schedule an appointment now by clicking here!
