If you’re currently in the market to purchase a house, congratulations! Whether it’s your first time or not, it’s a significant milestone worth celebrating. While house hunting can be exciting, it can also be overwhelming, given the numerous details to ensure the home meets your family’s needs. With that, your preferred heating and cooling experts would like to remind you to also consider the HVAC system when touring a prospective home.
However, identifying warning signs in an HVAC system can be difficult unless you’re an HVAC expert. Luckily, Middletown Heating & Cooling has compiled a list of five red flags that ANYONE searching for a house can easily watch out for during a walkthrough.
THE FIRST RED FLAG – AN OLDER OR ORIGINAL HVAC SYSTEM
If you’re considering purchasing an older house, you’ll want to know if the house has the original HVAC system or even just an older one. Typically, older systems have lower energy efficiency and are more prone to issues. HVAC systems, like cars, can deteriorate over time. So, it’s important to be aware of the age of the current HVAC systems. 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. Although you may not have a trained eye and know what to look for, you can at least get a basic idea of the system’s age and condition by doing a quick check.
For example, if you notice excessive dust or corrosion buildup on the HVAC unit, it could indicate an older aged unit or lack of maintenance. Although older HVAC systems shouldn’t immediately be considered a bad thing, bear in mind that well-maintained ones often last 15-20 years. So, if you’re considering buying an older house, just keep in mind that you may need to replace the heating or cooling unit in the near future. Knowing this information before purchasing the house could give you an advantage during negotiations.
THE SECOND RED FLAG: DRAFTY OR STUFFY PATCHES IN THE HOUSE
Take your time when touring the home, and make sure to observe each room thoroughly. While checking the size of the room, windows, and closet space, don’t forget to pay attention to the temperature as well. It’s easy to skip over the HVAC aspects you should be taking note of when assessing everything else in the home. But it’s important to slow down and really observe the temperature in each space. Does the rest of the home feel comfortable while one room is crazy stuffy? Are the registers open? Perhaps one area has drafty patches of air. Inconsistent air regulation could be due to various reasons, but it is still something you should be mindful of.
THE THIRD RED FLAG: MUSTY OR UNPLEASANT ODORS COMING FROM THE VENTS
It is also important to pay attention to any unpleasant or musty odors as they could suggest issues with the ductwork or other system-related problems. Thus, it is crucial not to disregard any unpleasant smells you notice. It may not be a deal breaker, but it’s good to be aware of issues like this so you can plan accordingly for a duct cleaning or book a diagnostic appointment for a professional to come to assess the issue.
THE FOURTH RED FLAG: STRANGE SOUNDS COMING FROM THE HVAC SYSTEM
Keep your ears peeled for any unusual sounds coming from the HVAC system as well, such as loud rattling, banging, or buzzing noises. These sounds could indicate equipment problems like loose parts or worn-out components, etc. So, you’ll want to be alert for this red flag too.
THE FIFTH RED FLAG: THERE ARE NO HVAC MAINTENANCE RECORDS
If you decide a certain house is the right fit for you and your family, it’s advisable to ask for the HVAC system’s maintenance and repair history if you are planning to move forward with the process. Records should contain all the details about its maintenance and repairs. If there aren’t any records available, it might imply that the system wasn’t well maintained – which is a significant concern, as HVAC units should be serviced at least once a year. Moreover, if a particular unit has undergone an excessive number of repairs, you’ll also want to be wary of this.
THE RECOMMENDATION: AN HVAC INSPECTION
Note that the red flags mentioned above are not meant to be ultimate deal breakers when it comes to finding your dream home. Instead, use them as signs to be cautious of, so you can weigh and consider your options carefully. It’s recommended that you seek the opinion of a licensed HVAC specialist to assess the condition of the system and identify any potential issues.
The great news is that we offer an HVAC inspection service with a NATE-certified technician who can examine the HVAC system and furnish a detailed report on its status and condition. They will also recommend any required 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.)
It may appear superfluous, but remember – it is vital to be aware of the HVAC system’s condition before moving in. Purchasing a house is a substantial commitment, and proper preparation is critical to evade unforeseen situations in the future.
Middletown Heating & Cooling is a reliable local HVAC company that can assist you with all your HVAC needs. We strive to provide excellent customer service and are here to help you in any way possible. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for assistance! You can reach us at (513) 268-3789 or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!