When you are buying a house, you obviously want to maximize your investment. To do this, you must understand the condition of your new home’s interior systems, or you may find yourself facing expensive repairs or replacements in the near future.
Ask pertinent questions about the HVAC system, and keep track of your questions and answers with a pen and notebook and/or by taking videos and pictures. Following are key questions to be sure to ask.
How Old Are the HVAC Units?
Like any machine, HVAC systems have a finite service life. The estimated life spans you may expect from a gas furnace, central air conditioners and a heat pump are respectively 15 years, 10 to 15 years and 8 to 12 years. These are ballpark numbers that are heavily influenced by maintenance history, usage and the quality of installation.
What Is the Maintenance and Repair History?
This question is telling in what you may expect from the HVAC system. If the HVAC units have been well maintained — meaning professional service each year by a reputable HVAC provider — you should be in good shape. Any major repairs that have been performed should be reviewed by your own HVAC provider.
Is the HVAC System Noisy?
Turn on the HVAC units and let them run for several minutes. If you hear rattling, grinding, squealing or any other unusual noises, the HVAC system needs to be inspected and serviced. Check airflow at all of the vents. Is air pressure evenly distributed? Are there loud whooshing sounds that indicate wrong duct size?
Are There Any Add-on Features?
Add-on equipment and features boost comfort and reduce energy bills. Find out if the HVAC system has extra features, such as a Wi-Fi-enabled zoning system, a whole-home humidifier, a heat-recovery ventilator and/or an air cleaner. After all, you want to be comfortable day and night in your new dream home.
If you want a reputable HVAC contractor in your corner when you are buying a house, contact the professionals at Ace Hardware Home Services today. We’ve provided Dayton area homeowners exceptional HVAC services, repairs and installations since 1978.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Dayton, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
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