If you’re in the market to buy a home, congratulations! Just keep in mind that when searching for a new home, it’s important to consider the HVAC system. A properly functioning and maintained HVAC system ensures safety and comfort throughout the year. After all, it’s pretty much second in place to having a roof over your head! Grove City Heating & Air recognizes that buying a new home can be a daunting task with many things to consider. When visiting a potential home, it’s important for buyers to consider key HVAC-related factors to make an informed decision. Being aware of red flags during your house tour can be helpful for negotiation if you decide to continue with the purchase, as well as assist you in making an informed decision on the house.
RED FLAG ONE: AN ORIGINAL OR OLDER HVAC SYSTEM
First of all, when considering an older home, you’ll definitely want to pay close attention to the HVAC system. If the original system is still in place, be cautious, as these are often less energy-efficient and more likely to have problems. Even if the system has been replaced, age and condition are still important factors to consider. Now, 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. At the very least, inspecting the heating or cooling unit can provide a general idea of its age and maintenance, even though it may not determine the exact age.
If you notice a heavy buildup of dust or signs of excessive corrosion on the unit, it may indicate that the system hasn’t been that well maintained over the years. Remember that an older HVAC system doesn’t necessarily mean it’s bad, but since these units usually last between 15-20 years, they may need to be replaced in the near future. This could be a great opportunity to negotiate if you decide to buy the house, and in our opinion, definitely, a red flag on which you should be alert for.
RED FLAG TWO: IRREGULAR AIR REGULATION
Inconsistent air regulation throughout the home can cause significant temperature variations from room to room. So, keep this in mind as you tour a prospective home. When you walk through each home, take time to assess each space and analyze the temperature in each room. Are some rooms stuffy while others have a bone-chilling draft? If so, this can happen due to different factors, so be sure to watch out for this, of which you will want to be aware.
RED FLAG THREE: UNPLEASANT OR MUSTY ODORS
If you detect unpleasant or musty odors during your walk-through, it might be a sign of poor ventilation or insufficient filtration in your HVAC system. This can cause health issues and additional expenses for fixing the problem. Therefore, it’s essential to stay vigilant and notice this warning sign.
RED FLAG FOUR: A LOUD HVAC SYSTEM
Another thing you want to watch out for, or rather listen for, is unusual sounds coming from the HVAC system. This could include loud or rattling noises, which may be a sign of underlying issues such as loose parts or worn-out components.
RED FLAG FIVE: INADEQUATE HVAC HISTORY
After the home tour, if you feel it may be a house you’d like to move forward with, we recommend that you ask for the HVAC history, including installation, maintenance, and repairs. Incomplete records may indicate neglect of the system, making it hard to determine any potential problems. Excessive unit repairs should also be taken into account as a possible red flag.
WHAT ABOUT AN HVAC INSPECTION?
It is important to keep in mind that these red flags should not automatically lead to a decision to back out and keep you from your dream home, but rather they should serve as reasons to evaluate or discuss further for better outcomes. Seeking advice from a licensed HVAC professional can help assess the system’s status and address any possible issues.
Fortunately, we have an HVAC inspection service available. This involves sending one of our NATE-certified technicians to the home to conduct a detailed inspection of its HVAC system. After completing the inspection, we will provide a detailed report on the system’s condition and suggest any necessary repairs or upgrades. (This usually can be negotiated into the terms and arranged by the homeowner if you decide to move forward with the house.) Although this may feel like an unnecessary step, remember that knowing the condition of the HVAC system of a house you are potentially moving into is important in order to prepare properly and avoid any unexpected surprises.
If you have any questions or concerns, or if you’re looking for a trustworthy local HVAC company, please let us know. We’d love the opportunity to demonstrate the level of service that has earned us our five-star rating. We’re excited to be of service to you! You can reach Grove City Heating & Air at (614) 490-7540 or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
