If you’re in the market to buy a new home, congratulations on this next venture! We are Fairfield-Hamilton Heating & Cooling, and we are honored that you have come to us for HVAC information. We understand that purchasing a new home can be overwhelming, and we are here to help make it as easy on you as possible.
To make this process easier for you, we have provided five warning signs or red flags, as one might say, to look out for when inspecting the HVAC system. This will be especially helpful if this is your first time purchasing a home. Although the HVAC system should not be the ultimate deal breaker when purchasing a new home, making an informed decision about the state of the HVAC system and knowing what you are getting into is essential to ensure a comfortable living space for you and your family throughout the year.
HOW 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. As you schedule visits to walk through potential homes, make it a point beforehand that you will try to visually inspect the HVAC units throughout your home tour to ensure they are well-maintained. You are looking for dust buildup and corrosion, as these are signs that the units may not have been properly cared for over the past years. These red flags could also suggest that they are older units. Which isn’t necessarily a bad thing but still something homeowners should be mindful of.
So, if you’re thinking of buying a house, it’s helpful to know the age of its HVAC system, as the general lifespan of a heating or cooling unit ranges from 15 to 20 years, depending on its upkeep. The good news is an older HVAC system could be a point of negotiation in terms of the house’s price.
HOW IS DUST BUILDUP, MOLD, & WORN-OUT DUCTWORK A RED FLAG?
Another thing to look out for when walking through a house is mold or dust buildup on registers and vents. It may be a challenge to remember to do so during your walk-through as you most certainly will be preoccupied looking at a plethora of other things, like the size of the room, nearby bathrooms, closet space, etc. But try not to forget to quickly inspect each room for registers noting where they are and if they are covered in excessive piles of dust.
In addition, you should look through the slats of the registers to check for mold. Although this may seem unnecessary, you never know, and spotting red flags like these will give you even better insight into the system’s upkeep. Lastly, if the home happens to have any areas of exposed ductwork, try to check for signs of wear, such as gaps or tears. Holes like this will result in air leakage and ultimately cause unnecessary strain on the HVAC system. Therefore, pinpointing them ahead of time could be a great bargaining tool, as repairs can add up cost-wise.
HOW ARE LOUD, UNRULY NOISES A RED FLAG?
During your house tour, be sure to listen for any loud or unruly noises from the HVAC system. It can be easy to get distracted by visually inspecting each room for its suitability for your family’s needs. However, keeping an ear out for unusual noises such as clanging, banging, or whirring is also important, as these may very well indicate an underlying issue with the system.
HOW ARE STUFFY & DRAFTY ROOMS A RED FLAG?
Take your time as you move through the rooms, and pay attention to how the air feels. Is it excessively warm or stuffy? Does the temperature fluctuate significantly between adjacent rooms? If any of these factors are present, it may indicate that the home’s air conditioning is not well-balanced, resulting in uneven temperatures throughout the house – just another thing of which you will want to be aware.
HOW ARE INCONSISTENT RECORDS A RED FLAG?
If you are interested in a particular house, that’s great! The next thing we strongly advise is to ask for a copy of the HVAC maintenance history to get an idea of how well the system was managed. It would be considered a red flag if there was no maintenance history since routine checkups are crucial for the HVAC system’s durability. Finally, it’s always a good idea to request the warranty policy for both the heating and cooling units.
HOW IS AN HVAC INSPECTION HELPFUL TO A HOME BUYER?
If you’re feeling unsure about purchasing a new home because you don’t know much about its HVAC system, don’t worry! We’re here to help. You can request an HVAC inspection with us, and we will send a NATE-certified technician to the house who will provide a detailed report of the system, including any recommended repairs or upgrades. This will give you all the information you need to make an informed decision about 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 remember that even though it may seem like an extra burden during an already stressful time, taking care of your HVAC system is just as important as having a roof over your family’s head. A properly functioning heating and cooling system is essential for keeping your family comfortable and safe all year round. Therefore, maintaining a healthy and well-operating HVAC system is crucial.
If you have questions or need a dependable HVAC company, consider Fairfield-Hamilton Heating & Cooling for a top-notch customer service experience. We would be thrilled to assist you! You can contact us at (513) 540-1716 or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
