If you are in the market for a new home, congrats! That’s no small feat. And embarking on this next chapter of your life is always exciting. Admittedly, searching for a new home comes with a lot of unknowns as well. There are so many things to consider need-wise when looking at houses and even more so many decisions to mull over. It can be quite a daunting task trying to be thorough in your house-searching endeavors, and then on top of that, going through the whole process once you think you have found “the one.”
When searching for a new home, it’s important to carefully consider all factors, including the HVAC system. Chillicothe Heating & Cooling wants to help make this journey easier for you, so here are five red flags to be on the lookout for when walking through a potential home you are interested in. It can be difficult to know what to look for if you’ve never done it before, so this guide will help you identify any potential issues with the HVAC system.
Red Flag Number 1: A Significantly Older HVAC System
Keep in mind, most HVAC units will have the manufacturing date written on a label on the side of the HVAC unit. But if you have a hard time locating it during your house tour, try to visually examine the HVAC units for signs of proper maintenance, age, etc., instead. You should look for signs of damage, such as piles of dust, corrosion, or other neglected maintenance issues. Remember, while you can’t determine the age of the unit just by looking at it, these signals could indicate that the unit may be older, as it could be an indication that it has not been maintained properly.
Although a home with an older system should never scare you out of going for your dream home, it’s important to know the age of its HVAC system, as this could be a negotiating point in the price point of the house. Typically, an HVAC system should last between 15 and 20 years, depending on how well it has been maintained. So, knowing the age of the system can also help you plan for future upgrades.
Red Flag Number 2: Moldy Ducts, Vents, & Registers
Another thing you want to be wary of is dusty or moldy ducts and vent registers. So, as you walk through the house, try to peek through the slats of the registers to look for signs of excessive dust buildup or even signs of mold. This will give you yet another idea of how well the system has been maintained or if it will need a duct cleaning. And, of course, mold is never a good sign in terms of health and high indoor air quality. Lastly, if the house happens to have any exposed ductwork, try to give it a once-over to check for gaps or tears, which can cause air leakage; this would be another repair expense that should be taken into account should you decide this is the home for you.
Red Flag Number 3: Loud, Unusual Noises
During your house tour, please listen carefully for any loud or disruptive noises coming from the HVAC system. Although there are many things to observe visually, it’s also important to stay alert to audible, abnormal sounds, such as banging, clanging, or whirring. Unfortunately, loud, unruly noises could mean that there is an underlying issue happening.
Red Flag Number 4: Rooms That Are Too Drafty or Stuffy
To gauge the temperature regulation of the home, take your time moving from room to room and notice how the air feels. Is it hot or stuffy? Does it differ significantly from the previous room? This could indicate inconsistent air and poor temperature regulation in the house.
Red Flag Number 5: Inconsistent Maintenance Records
Last of all, if you decide to proceed with the potential home, we suggest you request a copy of the home’s HVAC maintenance history. This will help you understand how well the system was maintained and see if there was an excessive number of repairs done, which is a red flag, in our opinion. If there is no maintenance history, this is also a red flag (especially in older systems), as annual checkups are important for the HVAC system’s lifespan. Additionally, it would not be a bad idea to ask for the warranty policies of both the heating and cooling units.
WHY SHOULD YOU CONSIDER GETTING AN HVAC INSPECTION?
Buying a new home can be intimidating, especially when it comes to understanding the HVAC system. However, we can help ease your worries! You can request to have an HVAC inspection done where one of our NATE-certified technicians will thoroughly inspect and provide a detailed report on the system, including recommended repairs and upgrades. This will give you the information you need to make an informed decision about the home purchase. (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 even though it may seem like an extra task during an already stressful time, maintaining your HVAC system comes in second place to have a roof over your family’s head. Therefore, a properly functioning heating and cooling system is necessary to keep your family comfortable throughout all seasons. So, knowing the condition of the home’s HVAC system will keep you several steps ahead and clear of any unknown HVAC catastrophes.
We hope this information has been helpful as you search for your next home! If you have any questions or need a trustworthy HVAC company, consider giving your local Chillicothe Heating & Cooling team a chance to provide you with exceptional customer service. We would be thrilled to serve you. You can contact us at (740) 281-2186, or click here to schedule an appointment now!