If you are currently house searching for your next house to call “home sweet home,” congratulations on this next chapter of your life! Whether it’s your first time or not, it’s an exciting milestone. As you search for your dream home, it’s important to keep in mind that the HVAC system is an important factor to consider alongside other must-haves on your list.
It’s crucial to be aware of the condition of the HVAC system to ensure your family’s year-round comfort and safety. However, it may be difficult to identify issues in the HVAC system without an HVAC expert. Luckily, Troy Furnace & Air Conditioning has compiled a list of five warning signs that ANYONE searching for their next home can spot during a walkthrough.
1. AN ORIGINAL OR OLDER HVAC SYSTEM
If you’re considering purchasing an older house, it’s important to know if it has its original HVAC system. Typically, older systems are less energy-efficient and more likely to have issues. Much like a car, HVAC systems can degrade over time. So, even if it’s not the original system, it’s still important to be cautious of older systems. For this reason, you should evaluate the age and condition of the HVAC system if possible. Most house listings will contain a brief summary of this information, but in case it doesn’t, just aim to perform a quick once-over during your home tour. You can get a general idea of the age and condition of the system just by doing so.
For instance, if you see a lot of dust or corrosion on the HVAC unit, it could mean that it hasn’t been maintained properly, as well as be a possible indicator that it is, in fact, an aged system. Keep in mind that an older system isn’t necessarily bad, but if it’s not well-maintained, you may need to replace the heating or cooling unit (or both) soon. Well-maintained systems usually last 15-20 years. Knowing this before buying the house could help you negotiate to better benefit you.
2. STUFFY OR DRAFTY ROOMS
When you’re touring the home, remember to take your time entering and examining each room. Naturally, you’ll want to note the room’s size, check the windows, and open closets. But you should make it a point to also pay attention to the temperature in each room. Take a moment to feel if there’s a breeze or not. This can help you notice if a particular room is stuffy or drafty compared to the others. There could be several reasons for it, but it’s important to note if the air regulation in the house is inconsistent, as it may need to be addressed in the future.
3. UNPLEASANT OR MUSTY ODORS
It’s important to pay attention to any bad or musty smells when it comes to odors because they can indicate issues with the ductwork or other system-related problems. Therefore, don’t disregard any unusual smells you notice. It might be necessary to have the HVAC system undergo a duct cleaning, which you could potentially bring up during negotiations.
4. STRANGE SOUNDS
Next, you should also be on the lookout for any unusual sounds that may come from the HVAC system, as they could be a sign of equipment problems, such as loose parts or worn-out components, etc. Some examples of these odd sounds are loud rattling, banging, or buzzing noises, so please mindful and “keep an ear out” for this red flag as well. This is another issue that may need to be addressed in the future if you decide to move forward with the house.
5. NO HVAC MAINTENANCE RECORDS
If, after a tour, you think you have found the house for you, we suggest that you ask for the HVAC system’s records if possible. The records will indicate the maintenance and repairs done in the past. It’d be a red flag if there are no records of yearly maintenance available, as it might mean that the system hasn’t been maintained properly. Additionally, if a particular unit has undergone too many repairs, this is another warning sign to which you will want to pay attention.
WHY SHOULD YOU REQUEST AN HVAC INSPECTION?
It is important to note that the red flags mentioned earlier should not necessarily discourage you from pursuing your dream home. They should be viewed as warning signs that require careful consideration, negotiation, and planning. Consulting a licensed HVAC expert is strongly recommended to assess the system’s condition and identify any potential issues.
Fortunately, we offer an HVAC inspection service performed by a NATE-certified technician. The technician will visit your house, examine the HVAC system, and give you a comprehensive report about its condition. If any improvements or fixes are necessary, they will be suggested too. While it may seem like an extra and avoidable action, it’s vital to know the HVAC system’s state in a new house before shifting in. Buying a house is a significant investment, and it’s necessary to be ready and avoid any unexpected issues or headaches in the future.
Troy Furnace & Air Conditioning is a reliable local company that can assist you with all your HVAC needs. Don’t hesitate to contact us for assistance. You can reach us at (937) 230-5521 or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
