Are you looking to buy a new home? If so, congratulations on taking this exciting step in your life! We are honored to have you turn to Delaware Heating & Air for HVAC information. We understand that buying a new home can be overwhelming, and that’s why we have compiled a list of five red flags to look out for concerning the HVAC system when looking at a prospective home.
RED FLAG ONE – 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. During your walk-through of the home, it’s important to visually examine the HVAC units when possible. You want to see a furnace and AC unit that have been well-maintained. If you notice large amounts of dust or signs of corrosion, it could indicate that the units have not been given the appropriate care over the past years.
As such, these warning signs could also give you an idea of the age of the units. Now, an older HVAC system should not be the barrier that keeps you from your dream home, but knowing the age of the current system will give you a general idea of when you may need to upgrade the system, which could be a beneficial negotiating point if you choose to purchase the house.
RED FLAG TWO – UNMAINTAINED VENTS, REGISTERS, OR DUCTWORK
As you continue your tour of the house, be on the lookout for excessively dusty vents and registers, as excessive dust buildup and, of course, mold are red flags that the system may not have been well taken care of. Therefore, you should take a careful look around every room and keep an eye out. Additionally, it’s also recommended to inspect the ductwork for any wear and tear. If there are gaps or tears in the ductwork, it can lead to air leakage, which can be expensive to repair. Again, being aware of this beforehand can be useful for negotiation purposes.
RED FLAG THREE – A LOUD, UNSETTLING, NOISY HVAC SYSTEM
Another thing to watch out for, or rather listen for, is loud, irregular noises that may be emitted from the HVAC system as you walk throughout the home. It can be easy to get distracted by all the visual features of the house while trying to assess if each room is suitable for your family’s needs. However, try not to forget to pay attention to any loud and disruptive noises, such as clanging, banging, or whirring, that may be coming from the HVAC system. These noises are indicative of an underlying HVAC problem.
RED FLAG FOUR – STUFFY OR DRAFTY ROOMS
Take your time moving from one room to another and pay attention to how the air feels. Is it hot in one room? Is it drafty in another? Or are there air patches of inconsistent temperatures? If you notice such inconsistencies, it could mean that the home’s temperature is not well-regulated, which is something you definitely want to consider and be mindful of as a potential buyer.
RED FLAG FIVE – A HOME WITH NO HVAC MAINTENANCE RECORDS
After all, is said and done, if you’re interested in the house – that’s great! Congrats! What’s next? Well, we actually recommend requesting the home’s HVAC maintenance history. This will provide valuable information about the system’s maintenance record. If no history is available, this is a red flag and a cause for concern since regular maintenance is critical to the HVAC system’s lifespan. On the same hand, should you find that the system has had an excessive number of repeated repairs, this is another red flag that should spark some concern.
WHAT IS AN HVAC INSPECTION, AND WHY SHOULD YOU GET ONE?
Did you know that you can request an HVAC inspection where one of our NATE-certified technicians will visit the house and perform a detailed inspection of the HVAC system? This report will include recommended repairs and upgrades. (This usually can be negotiated into the terms and arranged by the homeowner if you decide to move forward with the house.)
Although it may seem like an additional unnecessary burden to have this inspection done during what is an already stressful process, keep in mind that having a properly functioning HVAC system is just as crucial as having a roof over your family’s head. To keep your family comfortable and safe throughout all seasons, a good heating and cooling system is a basic requirement. Therefore, it is imperative to know what condition the HVAC system is in in a home you are potentially buying.
We hope the information provided has been helpful for you in your search for your new home. If you have any questions or need a dependable HVAC company, consider giving your local Delaware Heating & Air a try. Our team is committed to providing excellent customer service. We would be honored to serve you! You can contact us at (740) 227-8302 or schedule a heating or cooling repair appointment online now by clicking here!
