The heating and air-conditioning system is one of the biggest investments in a home. It accounts for about half of the yearly energy bill. Hence, you should thoroughly check the HVAC system during the home-buying process. Here are the HVAC considerations you need to take into account to help you better understand what you’re getting when you purchase a home.
Age
It’s important to find out the age of your potential new home’s HVAC system. Air conditioners that are more than 10 years old and boilers and furnaces that have lasted more than 15 years are ready for replacement. If the house has an old HVAC system, you should ask the seller for a discount. That will enable you to factor in scheduling a new system installation after you’ve moved in.
Maintenance Records
Request the system’s maintenance records from the seller. Maintenance contributes to the system’s life expectancy and is essential for maintaining the manufacturer’s warranty. The homeowner shouldn’t have a problem producing the records if he or she has kept up with annual preventive maintenance.
Ductwork
You should seek information on the home’s duct system, such as the design, sizing, insulation, and leakage. Circular ducts are usually more efficient and quieter than rectangular ductwork. Inspect the ducts throughout the house for loose connections, gaps, and signs of condensation.
Refrigerant
Check if the home’s HVAC system uses R-22 refrigerant, which is now illegal to produce. If it’s an R-22 system, expect refrigerant service to be costly. You’ll have to depend on previously produced or reclaimed supplies. Eventually, you’ll have to replace or retrofit the system so it uses a safer refrigerant type.
Energy Efficiency
The EnergyGuide label will indicate the system’s energy-efficiency rating. However, this number is the best possible efficiency, usually achieved during the system’s first few years. To understand the system’s current efficiency better, schedule a professional inspection.
If you have any doubts about a home’s HVAC system or want to get a more precise understanding of it to avoid making a costly home-buying mistake, have a certified HVAC technician inspect the system. Contact us at Ace Hardware Home Services for all of your HVAC needs in the Dayton area.
