If you are in the market to buy a house, congratulations on taking this exciting step in the next chapter of your life! If you’re looking for HVAC information, Five Star Heating & Cooling Cincinnati would be honored to assist you! We understand that the process of buying a new home can be overwhelming. When searching for a new home, the HVAC system is crucial, and it’s important to consider various factors and make informed decisions. To assist you in this process, we’ve compiled a list of red flags you’ll want to be aware of when evaluating the HVAC system in a potential home.
THE FIRST RED FLAG – AN OLDER 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 may not have a trained eye in the HVAC field, spotting signs of dust buildup and corrosion will give you a good idea of the unit’s upkeep. On top of that, dust and rust buildup is another indication of an older, more aged HVAC system. Now, an older system is not necessarily a bad thing, but it is important to consider the age of the HVAC system when buying a house, as a well-kept system can usually last up to 15 to 20 years, depending on its maintenance. This will give you an idea of when you may need to upgrade it in the future, which is ultimately a great negotiating factor should you choose to move forward in the purchasing process.
THE SECOND RED FLAG – EXCESSIVE DUST BUILDUP, MOLD, & HOLES IN DUCTWORK
As you walk through the house, another thing you should be watchful for is mold or dust buildup on vents and registers. These may sound like a given, but it’s easy to forget to scan the HVAC vents as you walk throughout the house, trying to assess each room and storage space for your family’s needs. Therefore, it would be a good idea to make it a point beforehand to take a careful look at each room, noting the location of the vents and peeking in to check for dust or mold buildup. Additionally, you’ll want to keep an eye out for any exposed ductwork (usually found in basements) to check for holes or tears, as repairs can quickly add up – another negotiating point to take into account.
THE THIRD RED FLAG – LOUD, UNUSUAL NOISES COMING FROM THE HVAC SYSTEM
Another thing to be on the alert for is any loud or unruly noises coming from the HVAC system, loud clanging, banging, or whirring noises. It’s important to keep an ear out for unusual noises like this, as this red flag can be a clear indication that there is something going on with the HVAC system that requires attention.
THE FOURTH RED FLAG – INCONSISTENT TEMPERATURES IN VARIOUS ROOMS
When moving from room to room, take your time and pay attention to how the air feels. Is it hot or stuffy? Does the temperature differ significantly from the previous room? This could mean that the home has inconsistent air regulation, which could be attributed to a number of factors regarding the HVAC system.
THE FIFTH RED FLAG – NO HVAC MAINTENANCE RECORDS AVAILABLE
Last of all, we recommend requesting a copy of the home’s HVAC maintenance history and repair records. This can provide valuable information about the system’s upkeep. If there is no maintenance history available, this is a red flag and a cause for concern, as regular checkups are necessary for a system’s longevity. In addition, excessive repairs on a unit would be considered another red flag.
WHY DO WE RECOMMEND AN HVAC INSPECTION?
If you’re concerned about purchasing a home without knowing much about its HVAC system, don’t worry! We can help! Even if you already know what red flags to look out for, it can still be intimidating. You can request to have an HVAC inspection scheduled with us, and we will have one of our NATE-certified technicians come out to the house and perform a detailed inspection, then will provide a comprehensive report on the HVAC system, including any necessary repairs or recommended 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 although it may seem like an added hassle during a stressful time, ensuring the proper functioning of the HVAC system of a prospective home is just as essential as having a roof over your family’s head. A functional heating and cooling system is necessary to keep your family comfortable and safe throughout the year. Therefore, it’s crucial to know what you’re getting into regarding the home’s HVAC system.
If you have additional questions or are in need of a trusted HVAC company for your home needs, please consider giving your local Five Star Heating & Cooling Cincinnati team an opportunity to offer you exceptional customer service. We would be delighted to assist you! You can contact us at (513) 216-5011 or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
