5 Key HVAC Questions To Ask Before Buying A House
Imagine moving into a newly purchased home and immediately having to replace the central heating and air system! The investment in a new home is probably one of the largest you’ll ever make – it’s a huge financial commitment!
This hypothetical experience is not just awful, but also expensive. Rescue Your Air & Drain has compiled a list of questions to ask about the HVAC in your prospective home, to help you learn all you can about its history and performance to save headaches and heartaches later on before signing on the dotted line.
What kind of HVAC system is in the home?
It’s smart to know what you’re dealing with right out of the gate. You can determine with one question if the system is one you’d want to keep or replace. Lots of homes have traditional central air systems installed, however, older homes often have no central air. An older home could have window units and a furnace or even a combination of heating and cooling system types. If the idea of retrofitting is a deal-breaker, it’s better to find out early and move on.
How old is the system?
The life cycle of an HVAC system is between 10 and 15 years, depending on how well it was maintained. If you’re looking at a system that is 12 years old, a new HVAC system purchase soon is a real possibility.
Is the system the right size for the home?
In the case of an HVAC system, bigger is not necessarily better. A unit that is too large for the size of the home tends to have uneven temperature issues causing energy efficiency problems. A unit that’s too small can’t keep up, works harder and runs longer which means it wears out sooner. Overall, your system should be sized to fit the square footage of your home. If It isn’t, consulting a professional to discuss options before you purchase the home is a good idea.
How efficient is the system?
A lot of the newer systems are highly-efficient. You can check for the Energy Star® rating or search online for the brand and model number of the unit to find the energy efficiency information. Obviously, the better the efficiency the more money you can save. In some cases, a higher-efficiency system can save you hundreds of dollars on your bills each year.
How does everything look?
Last but not least, ask a professional to inspect the system and tell you how everything is looking under the hood. Are their tell-tale signs of problems? Does the pro notice rust, water issues or anything else that might cause a problem down the road? Ask how the system sounds when it is running because there’s a big difference in maintenance costs between a quiet, well-maintained machine and one that creaks, knocks or makes rattling noises.
Have the pro take a look at the ductwork, too. The ducts should be the proper size for the system and be well-sealed. Have your pro check for rust or tears that might cause issues or affect efficiency.
Conclusion
Buying a house is exhilarating and it’s the dream of a lifetime for many people. Just make sure you ask all the right questions to ensure you’re investing your cash and future in a home sweet home, not a bottomless money pit.
We highly recommend that you get a professional to inspect your HVAC system! Give us a call, we’d be happy to check it out.Please call Rescue Your Air & Drain for a free consultation on your heating and air system. Our phone number is 870-735-1588. Or, schedule an appointment online for a consultation or free estimate on a new system anytime.