If you’re in the process of looking for your next home, congratulations! We understand that buying a new home can be overwhelming, and Blue Ash Furnace & Air Conditioning is here to help. There are a lot of things to stew over when searching for a new home. Is there sufficient space? Is this the type of house you want? Will it meet your family’s needs? There are so many questions involved, but during this process, you don’t want to forget that the HVAC system is crucial and should not be overlooked. So, to assist you in your search, we’ve compiled a list of five red flags you can watch out for on your own when house shopping.
Red Flag 1 – Keep an Eye Out for an Older Unit
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 (it can be tricky) during your walk-through, try to visually examine the HVAC units for signs of proper maintenance, age, etc. instead. For instance, unusual amounts of accumulated dust and corrosion may suggest the age and the condition of the units. However, keep in mind that it is not possible to strictly determine the age of the unit just by its appearance. At the very least, it will give you a rough idea.
It’s important to consider the age of an HVAC system when watching out for potential red flags. Typically, an HVAC system can last anywhere from 15 and 20 years with proper maintenance. By knowing the age of the HVAC system in a property you’re considering purchasing, you can better anticipate when it may need to be replaced or upgraded down the line. Please, note that purchasing a house with an aging HVAC system shouldn’t be an automatic deal breaker. We most certainly do not believe this is a setback that should keep you from your dream home. However, it is an important factor to take into account and use as a potential negotiation point concerning the home’s asking price.
Red Flag 2 – Keep an Eye Out for Moldy Ductwork and Vents
As you walk through the house, you also want to be on the lookout for moldy or dusty ducts and vent registers. Upon entering each room, check each room’s registers for any signs of dust buildup. You can even try peeking through the slats of the registers. On top of that, if the home has any exposed ductwork (normally found in basements), you’ll want to inspect the ductwork for any signs of wear and tear, as gaps or tears in the ductwork may cause air leakage. Depending on how much repair work is needed, this could be a costly project – another point that can come in handy during negotiations.
Red Flag 3 – Keep an Ear Out for Loud, Unsettling Noises
Another thing to watch out for, or rather…listen for, is any loud or unruly noises coming from the HVAC system. It may be easy to forget this while trying to soak everything else in visually but be mindful that this is important, as unsettling noises from an HVAC system could be an indicator that the system may be experiencing some underlying issues. So, don’t forget to take a mental note of any unusual sounds, such as clanging, banging, or whirring.
Red Flag 4 – Watch Out for Stuffy or Drafty Rooms
To assess the air quality in each room, move around slowly and observe how the air feels. Is it hot or stuffy? Does the temperature differ greatly from the previous room? If yes, it may indicate poor temperature regulation and inconsistent airflow in the house.
Red Flag 5 – Watch Out for Inconsistent Maintenance Records or Multiple Repairs
This last red flag is not something you can necessarily watch for, but you can ask for it. If you find that you’re interested in the house, congratulations! We highly recommend asking for a copy of the HVAC maintenance history to get a better idea of how well the system was taken care of. It’s concerning if there is no maintenance history, as regular checkups are crucial to keeping the HVAC system in good shape and extending its lifespan. It’s also not a bad idea to ask about the warranty policy.
WHY SHOULD YOU GET AN HVAC INSPECTION?
If you’re feeling unsure about buying a new home, especially when it comes to the HVAC system, we can help! Even if you know what red flags to look for, it can still be daunting. However, scheduling an HVAC inspection with us is a great option! One of our NATE-certified technicians can be scheduled to come to the home, assess the system and provide a detailed report with recommendations for 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.)
Don’t forget that while it may seem like an additional burden during an already stressful time, having a functioning HVAC system is just as important as having a roof over your family’s head. You need a good heating and cooling system to keep your family comfortable all year round, so it’s crucial to make sure the home you will be staying in has an HVAC system that is working properly and in good condition.
We hope this information has been helpful in your search for a new home! If you have any questions or need a reliable HVAC company, consider reaching out to Blue Ash Furnace & Air Conditioning. Our team is dedicated to providing excellent customer service and would be happy to assist you. You can contact us at (513) 216-5664 or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!