If you’re buying a new home, there are many things to check before putting in an offer on your dream home, including the HVAC system. An old, worn-out system will end up costing you more money over time, and if it’s not working well at all, it could put your family at risk of serious health issues and keep them from enjoying the features of their new home for years to come. Use these tips to check an old HVAC system before you make an offer on your next new home purchase.
Why you should be concerned about your old HVAC system
1.The average lifespan of an HVAC system is only about 15 years, so if the home you’re looking at is more than 15 years old, there’s a good chance the HVAC system is nearing the end of its life.
2.HVAC systems are expensive to replace, so you don’t want to be stuck with a big bill for a new system right after you move in.
3.A failing or outdated HVAC system can contribute to higher utility bills by using more energy and producing excess humidity or heat in your home.
4.An outdated HVAC system could also be unhealthy: dirty filters can release dust particles into the air that may irritate allergies and respiratory problems, and older models often produce more greenhouse gases than newer ones because they’re less efficient.
Finally, outdated HVAC systems might not keep up with current building codes. Your state might require vents in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms – even though those areas might not have been part of your old HVAC system’s design.
What you need to know before making an offer on a home
1. Check the age of the HVAC system – A new system can cost upwards of $10,000, so you’ll want to factor that into your offer.
2. Check for any obvious signs of damage – If the system looks old and beaten up, it’s likely that it hasn’t been well-maintained. This could end up costing you more in repairs down the line.
3. Consider financing your purchase with a home equity loan or cash on hand if possible – That way, if you need to replace the HVAC system, you won’t have as much out-of-pocket expense on top of moving costs.
4. Get quotes from different companies before making your decision – With so many options available these days, there’s no reason not to shop around! Ask about what types of warranties are included, maintenance schedules, replacement parts availability and price guarantees.
When you’re confident that you’ve found the right HVAC company for your needs, make sure to get at least three written estimates from them before choosing one.
Remember, don’t be afraid to compare apples to oranges when considering each estimate. Finally, always review contracts carefully before signing and ask questions if anything is unclear!
5 tips for checking your old HVAC system
1. Check the furnace. One of the most important aspects of your home’s HVAC system is the furnace. You’ll want to make sure that it’s in good working condition before you make an offer on a new home.
2. Check the air conditioner. In addition to checking the furnace, you’ll also want to check the air conditioner. This is especially important if you live in an area with hot summers. If your air conditioner isn’t cooling adequately, you might have to spend thousands of dollars for repairs or replacements.
3. Check the vents and registers. If there are any obvious clogs or dirt build-up in the vents or registers, this could be another reason why your old HVAC system isn’t functioning properly. Take care of these issues by unclogging and vacuuming them out as necessary so they can do their job well.
4. Inspect for leaks and wear and tear. When inspecting the ductwork, you should also inspect for leaks and wear and tear. A small leak will turn into a big problem over time because it won’t get fixed until much later. Leaks will cause mold growth within your ductwork which is not only unsightly but can lead to health problems like asthma from breathing in spores from molds.
5. Consider future changes to your needs when buying a new home. There may come a time when you need more square footage than what your current HVAC system can handle. For example, if you know that at some point in the future you’re going to add onto your house, then it would be best to buy a home now that has an appropriate size HVAC system (and plenty of additional space). With all of these things in mind, you’ll be able to find the perfect new home without worrying about whether or not your old HVAC system will function well.
Buying a new home can be stressful enough, so don’t let choosing the wrong one based on your old HVAC system happen to you!
A Quick Wrap
HVAC systems are expensive, and if you’re buying an older home, it’s likely that the system will need to be replaced soon. Here’s how to check the old system before you make an offer on the home.
1. Look for visible signs of damage, such as rust or leaks.
2. Check the age of the system.
3. Ask the seller for maintenance records.
4. Have a professional inspect the system.
5. Evaluate the cost of replacing the system vs. keeping it in place.
6. If replacing the system is necessary, consider investing in a newer energy-efficient model which could result in lower energy bills and reduced environmental impact.
A new high efficiency air conditioner and furnace can help reduce carbon emissions by up to 70%. A high quality unit with modern technologies can also save homeowners money on their utility bills.
Investing in a new HVAC system now may also offset any tax benefits you would receive when deducting the costs of installing one. All this being said, there are many factors to take into consideration when evaluating whether or not your home needs a new heating and cooling system. Talk to your contractor about what would work best for your family’s needs before making any big decisions.
