Congratulations on taking the exciting step of searching for a new home! We at Finneytown Heating & Cooling are honored that you are considering us for your HVAC needs. We understand that the home-buying process can be overwhelming, and we are here to provide you with helpful information. When searching for a new home, the HVAC system is a crucial factor to consider. With different decisions to make, it can be challenging to know what to look for or ask, especially if you’re new to it. Hence, we’ve listed five red flags to watch out for in an HVAC system to make your home-searching easier.
WHY SHOULD YOU BE WARY OF AN AGED 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. Although you can’t determine the age of the unit by sight alone, you should check for signs of a well-maintained furnace and AC unit. If there are large amounts of dust or corrosion, it’s likely that the units haven’t been maintained properly. These red flags may also signify an older unit.
It’s important to consider the age of the HVAC system when buying a house. HVAC systems typically last between 15 to 20 years, depending on maintenance. Knowing the age of the HVAC system in the house you want to buy can help you anticipate when it might need to be replaced. Even though an older HVAC system shouldn’t be a deal breaker, it is an important factor to consider and could be used as a negotiation point for the house’s asking price.
WHY SHOULD YOU BE WARY OF EXCESSIVE DUST BUILDUP & WORN-DOWN DUCTWORK?
While going through the house, be sure to check for dusty or moldy ducts and vent registers. Look out for exposed ductwork, which is usually located in the basement. In addition, scan each room for dusty registers. You should try to look through the slats of the registers to check for mold and excessive dust buildup. Additionally, inspect the ductwork for signs of wear and tear, as gaps or tears can indicate air leakage. These repairs can be expensive, so knowing about any issues beforehand is important for negotiation purposes.
WHY SHOULD YOU BE WARY OF A LOUD HVAC SYSTEM?
During your house tour, please pay attention to any loud and unruly noises coming from the HVAC system. Even though there’s a lot to see in each room, it’s important to listen for unusual sounds. Watch out for loud clanging, banging, or whirring noises, as they could affect your decision on whether the house is suitable for your family’s needs.
WHY SHOULD YOU BE WARY OF IRREGULAR TEMPERATURES?
To gauge the temperature consistency of the house, move from one room to the next and take your time feeling out the air. Are you sensing heat or stuffiness? Does the temperature fluctuate significantly from the previous room? If the answer is yes, it might indicate that the house doesn’t maintain a stable temperature and that air regulation is inconsistent.
WHY SHOULD YOU BE WARY OF A LACK OF HVAC MAINTENANCE RECORDS?
You may not be able to determine the last point during your home tour. If you are interested in the house, congratulations! We recommend requesting a copy of the HVAC maintenance history for the home to better understand the system’s maintenance. If there is no maintenance history, it is concerning because regular tune-ups and inspections are necessary for the HVAC system’s longevity. Additionally, it’s always a good idea to inquire about the warranty policy.
WHY SHOULD YOU CONSIDER AN HVAC INSPECTION?
Although you may now be aware of which red flags to look for, it can still be intimidating to purchase a new home without comprehensive knowledge of its HVAC system. Luckily, we can assist you with that! By requesting an HVAC inspection with us, one of our certified technicians can visit the property and produce an extensive report regarding the HVAC system. This report will provide all the necessary details, including suggested repairs and upgrades. (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 while it may seem like an added hassle during an already stressful process, having a good, functioning HVAC system is just as important as having a roof over your family’s head. A properly functioning heating and cooling system is essential to keep you and your loved ones comfortable and safe throughout the year. Therefore, it is imperative to know the condition of the HVAC system of the home you may potentially be purchasing.
If you have any further questions or require reliable HVAC services for your home, please consider giving Finneytown Heating & Cooling a chance to provide you with our five-star customer experience. We would be delighted to assist you! You can contact us at (513) 935-0440, or schedule an appointment now by clicking here!
