Heating and Cooling Systems: What To Look For When Buying A New Home
Buying a home can be overwhelming when you start to think about all of the things you need to check before you sign on the dotted line. The last thing that you want is to move forward with a home purchase only to find out an HVAC system has major damage. This is why it is so important to schedule thorough inspections of the home you want to buy. We know how easy it is to get excited about how a home looks, but how a home’s HVAC system functions is just as important. Continue reading for what you should look for when buying a new home. If you are ready to schedule a home HVAC inspection, call our professional technicians at Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling and Heating at (972) 291-0740.
HVAC Considerations When Buying A New Home
It can be difficult to try to figure out what to look for in an HVAC system when buying a new home. While of course you want a home with a newer model, sometimes that’s just not on the table. To help you discern how an HVAC system should factor into your home purchase, take a look at these five considerations:1. Evaluate Equipment
Even if you don’t hire a professional HVAC inspector, you can complete a quick inspection yourself. Look for any visual signs of age or damage such as cracks, rust, water stains or dents. You should also listen for any strange noises like screeching, banging or bubbling. Be sure to check both indoor and outdoor units. A professional technician will be able to complete a more thorough inspection where they will look at the internal condition of the system. You can also ask for any maintenance or repair records, as well as the age of the unit. If the unit is over 15 years old and has received little to no maintenance, it may break down soon or cause you expensive issues. Doing this evaluation you can help you determine the condition of a unit before you even schedule an inspection.2. Inspect Ductwork
While you can’t necessarily crawl into the ducts of a home you are purchasing, you can schedule a ductwork inspection. The ductwork of a home is just as important as the system itself. If there are any leaks or other issues in the ductwork then it could make the HVAC system work twice as hard and cause even further damage. When the technician inspects the ductwork they will look for leaks, condensation, loose connections and other issues. The technician will also check for cleanliness. Ducts should be cleaned out of any dust, debris and mold at least once every year or two. Checking the ductwork will give you a better idea as to how the previous owners have taken care of their HVAC system.3. Insulation
It’s important that you ask what kind of insulation the house has. If it isn’t well insulated, then you will be paying higher energy bills than you may be used to. If the attic is accessible, ask if you can take a look. Typically the attic, and maybe some basements or closets, are the only parts of a home with exposed insulation. You can also get an idea of the insulation condition as you walk around the house by feeling for drafts. Understanding what the insulation condition of the house is can help you understand what you may have to pay in energy bills if you purchase it.4. Efficiency
To get an idea of the efficiency of the HVAC system, all you have to do is look at the following:- SEER rating, for air conditioning systems
- AFUE rating, for furnaces
- HSPF rating, for heat pumps