If you’re currently in the market to buy a new home, first off – congratulations! You’re embarking on an exciting new chapter in your life, and we feel privileged to play even a tiny part in it. As your local Clayton-Englewood Heating & Cooling experts, we understand that the process of buying a new home can be overwhelming. But we are here to help ease the burden! Choosing a new home involves many factors to consider, and the HVAC system is a crucial part of that. Although the HVAC system shouldn’t be the ultimate deal breaker that keeps you from going for your “dream home”, it can help you with your house search as you tour homes to know what red flags there are to watch out for in an HVAC system, so you stay two steps ahead at all times.
Red Flag #1 – WHAT ABOUT AN OLDER HVAC SYSTEM?
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 house tour, you’ll want to visually examine the home’s HVAC units. Although it might not be possible to determine the exact age of the unit based on its appearance, what you are looking for are signs of a well-maintained furnace and AC unit. Signs such as large amounts of dust or signs of corrosion can indicate that it hasn’t been adequately maintained. It could also be an indication of the unit’s age.
It is important to consider an HVAC system’s age as the general lifespan is usually between 15 to 20 years, based on the level of maintenance and care it has received over the years. While we do not think an older HVAC system should sway you from purchasing a home, knowing its age can help you estimate when you may need to replace the system in the future, and it could potentially be used as a bargaining chip in the house’s asking price.
Red Flag #2 – WHAT ABOUT MOLDY VENTS OR DUST BUILDUP & WORN DUCTWORK?
Another thing you want to check for is moldy or dusty vents as you continue your tour of the house. You should try to look through the slats of the registers to check for signs of mold – a red flag that is typical but not entirely impossible. Red flags like these will give you better insight into the upkeep of the home’s HVAC system. Additionally, inspecting any exposed ductwork for signs of wear and tear is also a good idea, as gaps or tears can result in air leakage. Some homes do not have exposed ductwork, but on occasion, you may find exposed ductwork in areas such as a basement. Knowing this information in advance can be helpful when negotiating, as repairs and duct cleaning can add up cost-wise.
Red Flag #3 – WHAT ABOUT LOUD, IRREGULAR NOISES?
Loud, irregular noises – another red flag you should be on the alert for, coming from the HVAC system. It can be easy to get distracted by the visual aspects of the home, but loud clanging, banging, or whirring noises should not go unheeded, as this could be a sign that the system may have an underlying issue that needs to be given attention.
Red Flag #4 – WHAT ABOUT INCONSISTENT TEMPERATURES?
Take your time when moving from one room to another, and try to pay attention to the temperature and air quality in each room. Notice whether the room feels drafty or stuffy or if there’s a significant temperature difference from the last room you were in. This could suggest that the home’s temperature regulation is not consistent, and there may be varying patches throughout the home.
Red Flag #5 – WHAT ABOUT A LACK OF MAINTENANCE RECORDS?
Last of all, if you’re interested in buying a potential home, we recommend requesting the history of its HVAC maintenance and repair records. This will show you how well the system was taken care of and if the system received the annual care required to extend the longevity of its lifespan. Another red flag is a heating or cooling unit that has received an excessive number of repairs. So, asking for this information is highly recommended to give you better insight into what you’re getting into. On top of that, don’t be afraid to ask for the warranty policy.
GREEN FLAG – WHAT ABOUT GETTING AN HVAC INSPECTION?
If you’re feeling nervous about buying a new home without knowing all the ins and outs of its HVAC system, we can help! We offer HVAC inspections by our NATE-certified technicians, who will provide a comprehensive report with information on any necessary repairs or upgrades of the house’s HVAC system. So, you can rest assured that you’ll have all the information you need before making your purchase. (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 it may seem like an added burden during an already stressful time, your HVAC system comes in second place to having a roof over your family’s head. A properly working heating and cooling system is essential for keeping your loved ones comfortable and safe throughout the year in any weather. Therefore, it is crucial to know about the condition of the HVAC system of the home you may be purchasing.
If you have any questions or need HVAC services, please let us know. Clayton-Englewood Heating & Cooling is dedicated to providing five-star customer service and would be thrilled to help you as you search for your new home. You can contact us at (937) 412-2911, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
