Are you in the market to purchase a house? If so, congratulations! It’s always exciting to buy a home, whether it’s your first time or you are a seasoned homebuyer. But don’t forget; while looking over a potential house you are interested in, it’s important to pay attention to the home’s HVAC system. The HVAC system is responsible, after all, for keeping you comfortable and safe in all seasons. Now, before you let this bit overwhelm you, we want to make it a point to say, “We’ve got you covered!” Because unless you’re a licensed HVAC technician, it can be difficult to automatically know what warning signs to look for. Luckily, your experts at Lebanon Heating & Cooling have compiled five red flags that anyone looking for a home can watch for when walking through a prospective house.
RED FLAG 1: IS THE HVAC SYSTEM STILL THE ORIGINAL ONE OR AN OLDER SYSTEM?
If you’re considering buying an older home, it’s important to be mindful if the house still has the original HVAC system. Typically, older systems are less energy-efficient and more likely to have issues. Just like a car wears down over time, so does an HVAC system. Even if it’s not the original system, make sure to check the age and condition of the HVAC system, as it’s an essential factor to consider. 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 once-over should give you a general idea of the age and condition of the system.
For instance, if you notice a lot of dust buildup or excessive corrosion on the unit, it may mean that the system has not been well-maintained over the years. Please, bear in mind that an older HVAC system is not necessarily a bad thing, but since they usually last between 15-20 years, you may need to replace the heating or cooling unit in the foreseen future. Knowing this ahead of time could at least give you an advantage when negotiating the price of the house if you decide to go ahead with the purchase.
RED FLAG 2: IS THERE A ROOM WITH INCONSISTENT AIR REGULATION?
Inconsistent temperature throughout the rooms can indicate poor air regulation in the house. So, make sure to move slowly during your tour and observe the temperature of each room. If one room feels stuffy while another has a chilling draft, this could be a concern to consider. There could be multiple reasons for this issue, and it’s important to be aware of it.
RED FLAG 3: IS THERE A MUSTY ODOR COMING FROM THE HVAC VENTS?
Another thing you’ll want to pay attention to are unpleasant or musty smells, as they may indicate an underlying problem with the ductwork or another system-related issue. Therefore, keeping your nose alert for potential problems is just as important as using your eyes to evaluate the house.
RED FLAG 4: IS THE HVAC SYSTEM MAKING AN UNUSUAL NOISE?
Sounds – it’s also important to listen carefully for any unusual sounds coming from the HVAC system as they may indicate problems with the equipment, like loose parts or worn-out components, etc. These sounds can be loud rattling, banging, or buzzing-like noises.
RED FLAG 5: IS THERE A LACK OF HVAC DOCUMENTATION?
Finally, if you are still interested in purchasing the house after the tour, we recommend asking for the HVAC system’s history. This should include information on its maintenance and repairs. If there are no records available, this may indicate a lack of maintenance of the system, making it hard to determine its potential issues – which is a major concern. Additionally, be wary if a particular unit has undergone frequent repairs, as this may be a red flag.
WHY SHOULD YOU REQUEST AN HVAC INSPECTION?
It is important to note that the red flags mentioned above should not be deal breakers that keep you from going for your dream home but rather should be factors that are thoughtfully considered or discussed for a more beneficial outcome on your part. It is highly recommended to seek advice from a licensed HVAC expert for their professional opinion on the state of the system and any possible issues.
The great news is that we offer what we call an HVAC inspection which involves sending a NATE-certified technician to thoroughly check out the HVAC system and provide a detailed report outlining its condition. If there are any necessary repairs or upgrades, we will recommend them as well. (This usually can be negotiated into the terms and arranged by the homeowner if you decide to move forward with the house.)
Remember that while it may feel like an unnecessary added stress, knowing the condition of the HVAC system in a potential new home you may be moving your family into is important. Buying a house is a huge (and exciting) commitment, so it’s best to stay several steps ahead in the game so as not to be blindsided.
If you have any questions or concerns or have been looking for a trustworthy local HVAC company, look no further! Let Lebanon Heating & Cooling prove to you the meaning of five-star customer service! We would be thrilled to assist you! You can reach us at (513) 540-1773 or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
