The housing market is already booming, and the demand will rise as schools go on break and families begin to shop in earnest. Expect to see bidding wars. But don’t let that bully you into making a bid on a money pit. Before you sign on the dotted line, do this before you buy a new house:

Due Diligence

Make sure you take the time to inspect the new home’s systems before making an offer. While it may feel strange to rummage around a stranger’s home, you need to open closets and look at appliances. You may even want to test them out.

Professional Inspections

Along with any appraisal required by your bank, you should have the home inspected before making an offer.

Outdated HVAC systems or obsolete plumbing, will need to be replaced. Most sellers aren’t keen on fixing these problems before they sell. However, it can impact how much money you pay for the home.

Get Answers

Sellers expect to be grilled about their home’s condition. In fact, that’s one reason many people hire real estate agents. A good agent assesses potential problems and has answers for buyer without hesitation. So, expect to get answers to your questions.

HVAC Questions to ask

There are a few facts you’ll need before you go further in your purchase decision. These are ones you should ask up-front:

  1. The age of the system

Experts recommend replacing HVAC components after 10 to 15 years. However, some can last as long as 25 if they’ve been rigorously maintained.

Find out how old the system is and use that to assess whether it will need to be replaced soon. If the system is old and appears well-used, you may want to use it as a point of price negotiation.

 

  1. What is the efficiency rating

HVAC systems come with standardized efficiency ratings that apply to both the air conditioning side and the heating side of the system. Check for ENERGY STAR ratings and make a point to understand concepts like SEER ratings and AFUE ratings.

  1. What is the energy cost

Most sellers will have a record of the costs to run their HVAC system over the last several years. They may have fuel oil or gas bills and electric bills to reference. This information will help you manage your budget when adding on a new home mortgage.

  1. Is there any warranty on the equipment?

If there are still activity warranties on the equipment, then it’s probably still relatively new. That’s a good thing. However, check to make sure the warranty is transferable to a new homeowner.

  1. Are there any service agreements for the system?

An active service agreement is also a good sign, as it usually means the homeowner has had the proper maintenance performed on schedule. Regular maintenance can extend the life of any HVAC system.

 

Inspect the Equipment

Even if you’re not quite sure what you’re looking for when inspecting the HVAC system, you can spot the signs of neglect. Rust, dust, debris, and design can be clues to the unit’s age and state of repair.

  1. Inspect the air handler and furnace for signs of age. You should also be able to read the efficiency rating sticker on the equipment.

  2. The ductwork should be well supported and show no signs of tears, gaps, or infestation.

  3. Test the HVAC system by turning on both the heater and the air conditioning. It should be responsive in both settings. Check the airflow from nearby vents to ensure that hot and cold air are produced on each setting.

  4. Examine the outdoor unit for rust, dents, bent fins, or other signs of damage. Inspect it while the system is on to verify the fan operation. Listen for strange noises when running.

Follow Up Steps

If the HVAC system seems old and outdated, but you’re still on the fence, consider a professional HVAC inspection too. Home inspectors are well-versed in the basics, but an experienced HVAC specialist can offer more insight.

An HVAC contractor can give you a more specific feel for the remaining life of the system, which can help you map a plan for possible replacement.

An HVAC pro also has more hands-on experience with the equipment. They’ll know whether parts for that model are available or hard to find. This is something that could drive up the cost of repair.

They can also tell you if it’s the right size for the home you’re considering. Oversized systems are more common than you’d think. In the end, they use more energy as well as costing more upfront.

Make an appointment today with the experts at One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning. We’ll inspect your new dream home and help you assess the lifespan and suitability of its HVAC system.