Are you looking to purchase a new home? If so, congratulations on taking this next exciting step in your life! We at Five Star Heating & Cooling Dayton are honored to provide you with your go-to HVAC information. We understand that the home-buying process can be overwhelming, and there are many factors to consider, but the HVAC system is a crucial aspect of your new home. To help with this process, we have prepared a list of five warning signs, or red flags as you might say, to be on the watch for when evaluating an HVAC system in a potential new home.
IS A SIGNIFICANT OLDER HEATING OR COOLING UNIT A RED FLAG?
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. You’ll want to look for a well-maintained furnace and AC unit, so signs of dust buildup and corrosion are indicators that the unit may have been poorly maintained. On the same hand, it could also be an indication of the age of the unit. Typically, a heating or cooling unit should last between 15 to 20 years, depending on the maintenance and upkeep it has been given. And although an older HVAC system should never be the deal breaker that keeps you from obtaining your new home, it’s a good thing to know ahead of time should you decide to make an offer on the house, as it may be worth mentioning during negotiations.
IS EXCESSIVE DUST BUILDUP, MOLDY VENTS, OR DAMAGED DUCTWORK A RED FLAG?
Make sure to check for mold and excessive dust buildup in the ducts and vent registers as you inspect each room of the house. As you continue your tour of the home, note where the HVAC vents are, and if you can, try to peek in between the slats looking for signs of dust or mold buildup. These would be clear signs of the maintenance of the HVAC system. It will also give you an idea if you will have to schedule a duct cleaning appointment. Additionally, you will want to look out for exposed ductwork (usually located in the basement but may be found anywhere else) for wear and tear. If you notice gaps or tears in the ductwork, repairing these can add up, so it’s important to be aware of this beforehand for negotiating purposes.
IS AN UNUSUALLY LOUD HVAC SYSTEM A RED FLAG?
As you tour the house, you will also want to be on alert for any loud and disruptive sounds coming from the HVAC system. It’s important to stay focused on your search for a suitable home and keep an ear out for any abnormal noises like clanging, banging, or whirring that could be a cause for concern and could mean the HVAC system may require a little attention.
ARE STUFFY OR DRAFTY ROOMS A RED FLAG?
Take your time as you move around the house, and notice how the air feels in each room. Are some rooms hotter or stuffier than others? Is there a bone-chilling draft in one area of the home? Does the temperature change significantly from one room to another? These differences could suggest that the air temperature in the house is not evenly controlled, and some areas may have inconsistent air regulation.
IS A LACK OF HVAC MAINTENANCE RECORDS A RED FLAG?
If, after touring a home, you’re interested in moving forward in the process, we recommend requesting the HVAC maintenance and repair record history. This will show you how well the system was maintained and if there were any annual tune-ups and checkups. Not having a maintenance history is a red flag, as annual tune-ups can affect the lifespan of the HVAC system. Additionally, you could ask for the warranty policies for both the heating and cooling systems.
DID YOU KNOW YOU CAN GET AN HVAC INSPECTION?
Did you know you can request to have an HVAC inspection scheduled with us to get detailed information about the system from a NATE-certified technician? Our highly-trained technicians will provide a detailed report that includes recommended repairs and upgrades, giving you all the information you need before making a decision. (This usually can be negotiated into the terms and arranged by the homeowner if you decide to move forward with the house.)
Please remember that having a functioning HVAC system is essential for keeping your family comfortable and safe throughout the year. While it may seem like an added stress to have an HVAC inspection performed, remember that having a functioning HVAC system is just as important as having a roof over your head. Therefore, it’s imperative you know the condition of the system of a home you will potentially be moving into.
We hope you found this helpful as you move forward with finding your new home. If you have additional questions or need a trustworthy HVAC company you can rely on, please consider your local team at Five Star Heating & Cooling Dayton. We’re committed to providing top-quality customer service and would be thrilled to assist you. You can contact us at (937) 708-8278 or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
