Are you in the market to buy a home? If so, congratulations! That’s no small feat, and whether you’re a first-time buyer or not, it’s definitely a milestone worth celebrating. However, as you search for your dream home, don’t forget about the HVAC system. While there may be many details to consider and must-haves on your list, when you tour a home, ensuring that the house’s HVAC system meets your family’s needs is equally important.
It’s crucial to know the condition of the HVAC system of a home you may potentially move into, as it keeps your family safe and comfortable throughout the year. However, unless you are an HVAC expert, knowing how to spot red flags can be challenging. Luckily, Mason Heating & Air has compiled a list of five easily noticeable red flags for anyone searching for a new home to look out for during a walkthrough.
RED FLAG ONE: IS THE HVAC SYSTEM IN THE HOUSE ORIGINAL OR OUTDATED?
One thing you’ll want to be mindful of, especially if you are buying a new home, is an outdated HVAC system. If you are looking at an older home, it is not impossible for the original system to still be in the home. Older systems tend to be less energy-efficient and may have more issues due to wear and tear over time (much like a car). So, it’s recommended to check the age and physical condition of the system whenever possible. 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 inspection should give you a rough idea of the system’s condition and age.
What does this mean exactly? For example, an excessive amount of dust or corrosion on the HVAC unit is a good indicator that the unit may be older or has received little to no maintenance over the years. While an older HVAC system doesn’t automatically make it a bad thing, keep in mind that a well-maintained one usually lasts 15-20 years. Therefore, if you decide to buy a house with an older system, you should be prepared to replace the heating or cooling unit in the near future. Plus, knowing beforehand can be advantageous during negotiations.
RED FLAG TWO: ARE THERE ROOMS IN THE HOUSE THAT SEEM DRAFTY OR STUFFY?
Take your time as you tour the home and carefully observe each room. Along with checking the size of the room, windows, and closets, be sure to pay attention to the temperature in each room as well. You may be surprised to find one room in the house is either too stuffy or drafty compared to the others. Inconsistent air regulation may be the cause (which can be due to various factors), so it’s important to be aware of this.
RED FLAG THREE: HAVE YOU NOTICED ANY MUSTY ODORS COMING FROM THE HVAC VENTS OR REGISTERS?
In terms of 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 to not write off any odd smells you might have noticed.
RED FLAG FOUR: IS A LOUD HVAC SYSTEM A RED FLAG?
Next up is a more audible red flag – noise. Pay attention to any uncommon noises that may come from the HVAC system. These may indicate issues with equipment like loose parts or worn-out components, etc. Some examples of these noises include loud rattling, banging, or buzzing sounds. So, you should stay alert for this warning sign as well as an overly loud HVAC unit. If you experience this during your walk-through, bear in mind that this particular may need to be assessed down the line.
RED FLAG FIVE: ARE THERE SUFFICIENT HVAC MAINTENANCE RECORDS?
If you’re still interested in buying the house after the tour – fantastic! It always feels great to find “the one.” The next thing you’ll want to do is ask for the HVAC system’s maintenance and repair records. Not having this information may indicate poor or no maintenance – a red flag, in our opinion! Remember, a well-maintained unit will last longer! Furthermore, be cautious if the unit has a history of excessive repairs.
WHY SHOULD YOU REQUIRE AN HVAC INSPECTION?
It is important to note that the red flags mentioned here should not be the sole reason for abandoning the pursual of your dream home. Instead, view them as warning signs to be cautious and to carefully assess your choices, negotiate, and plan accordingly. Being blindsided after making such a big commitment is not something we recommend!
The good news is that we offer an HVAC inspection service, where one of our NATE-certified technicians can be scheduled to go to the home, thoroughly inspect the HVAC system and provide a detailed report on its condition. They will also suggest any necessary repairs or upgrades. (This usually can be negotiated into the terms and arranged by the homeowner if you decide to move forward with the house.)
It’s important to know the condition of the HVAC system before moving into a new home. Although this may seem like an unnecessary added step, we want to stress again that it’s essential you know the condition of the house you may be moving into to avoid unexpected surprises later.
If you’re looking for a trustworthy local company to help you with your HVAC services, Mason Heating & Air is here for you! We’re dedicated to providing top-quality customer service and can assist you with any HVAC needs you may have. You can reach us at (513) 496-2477 or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
