If you’re planning to buy a new home, congratulations! It’s definitely a big step toward the next chapter in your life! As your local HVAC experts, Bridgetown Heating & Cooling, we want to be your go-to for all HVAC-related information – even when searching for the next place to call “home sweet home.”
We understand that buying a new home can be overwhelming. There are various factors to consider and different decisions to mull over. But when looking for a new home, it’s important not to forget about the HVAC system since it’s a crucial component of any house. To help you in your home-searching journey, we’ve compiled a list of five red flags to watch out for in an HVAC system. This can be especially helpful if you’re not familiar with what to look for or what questions to ask about the HVAC system.
Red Flag #1: Be Wary of a Significantly Older Unit
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 (it can be tricky) during your house tour, try to visually examine the HVAC units for signs of proper maintenance, age, etc., instead. You want to see a well-maintained furnace and AC unit without large piles of dust or any signs of corrosion. These issues could imply that the units haven’t been properly maintained and could also be an indication of their age. It is important to know the age of the HVAC system in a house before purchasing it, as an HVAC system will typically last between 15 to 20 years, based on the maintenance and care it has received over the years. Even though an older system should not be a deal breaker, it is still a significant factor to consider. This could potentially be used as a negotiation point in the house’s asking price, as the system may need to be replaced in the near future.
Red Flag #2: Be Wary of Moldy Ductwork and Registers
When walking through a house, be sure to keep an eye out for dust buildup on vents and registers. It may also help to peek through the slats and look for signs of mold or excessive dust. Additionally, you should check for wear and tear on any exposed ductwork. Typically, exposed ductwork is usually located in basements, but that’s not always the case. Nevertheless, knowing about gaps or tears in ductwork beforehand is important for negotiation purposes, as repairs can be costly.
Red Flag #3: Be Wary of Loud, Unruly Noises Coming from the HVAC System
During the house tour, don’t forget to keep your ears alert for any loud or unusual noises coming from the HVAC system. It’s important to remain attentive to visual and auditory cues as you assess whether each room satisfies your family’s needs. Noisy clanging, banging, or whirring sounds should be taken note of, as these are often clear indicators that the HVAC system may have an underlying issue going on.
Red Flag #4: Be Wary of Stuffy or Drafty Rooms & Inconsistent Temperatures
The fourth red flag we want to point out is irregular temperatures. No one wants to deal with one room being the perfect temperature while the room next to it is too stuffy. When this happens, this means the air within the home is not being properly regulated, which could be related to a variety of reasons. To determine if the temperature in the home is well regulated, take some time moving from one room to another and notice how the air feels. Is it too hot or stuffy? Is there a significant temperature difference between rooms? If yes, that could indicate inconsistent air throughout the home. Again, this does not have to be the ultimate deal breaker, but it is another factor everyone looking to buy a home should be mindful of.
Red Flag #5: Be Wary of a Lack of Records or Excessive Repairs
If you’re interested in buying the home, we recommend asking for a copy of the HVAC maintenance history. This will show how well the system was maintained over time. If there is no maintenance history, it could be a bad sign, as regular tune-ups are crucial for the HVAC’s lifespan. Additionally, it’s a good idea to ask about the warranty policy.
WHY GET AN HVAC INSPECTION?
If you’re feeling hesitant about buying a certain house because you’re not familiar with its HVAC system, don’t worry – this is where we can help! Even if you know what red flags to look out for, it can still be overwhelming. However, we offer an HVAC inspection service where one of our highly-qualified NATE-certified technicians will thoroughly examine the house’s HVAC system and give a detailed report – including recommended repairs and upgrades the house may require. (This usually can be negotiated into the terms and arranged by the homeowner if you decide to move forward with the house.)
Remember, having a well-functioning HVAC system is just as important as having a roof over your family’s head, even though it may feel like an added stress during an already stressful time. A properly functioning heating and cooling system is necessary for keeping your family comfortable throughout the year. So, it’s crucial to ensure your HVAC system is in good condition.
We hope that this information will be helpful as you begin your search for a new home. If you have any questions or need a trustworthy HVAC company you can rely on, please consider giving Bridgetown Heating & Cooling a try. We pride ourselves on providing excellent customer service and would be thrilled to assist you! You can contact us at (513) 273-1335 or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!