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Buying a home can be a challenging endeavor. It’s exciting to be on the hunt for a place to call your own. Yet, it’s equally important to ensure that your new residence is free from future problems, saving you from undue stress and complications. A key consideration when buying a house with an old HVAC is the age and condition of the home’s HVAC system.
Five Key HVAC Inspections when Buying A House with an Old HVAC
This article from Lake Region Energy lists five crucial elements to evaluate in the heating and cooling system when purchasing a home with an old HVAC. Don’t forget to check out these five elements when checking out listings:
1. Evaluate the HVAC Equipment
As you tour a prospective home, take the time to examine the heating and cooling units closely. Check for indicators of wear or damage, such as rust, dents, water stains, and cracks. Operate both the furnace and air conditioner to ensure they function smoothly. Be attentive to any unusual noises, such as clanging or hissing.
Determine the lifespan of the heating and cooling systems. Typically, these systems are functional for about 15 years before requiring replacement, though with diligent upkeep, some last 20 years or longer. Request any available maintenance records to assess how well the units have been cared for. If a unit is over 15 years old, consider the implications of replacement costs on your budget. Additionally, arrange for a professional evaluation by our technicians at Lake Region Energy.
Lake Region Energy offers professional HVAC assessments to help you make an informed home purchase. Talk to our experts today!
2. Scrutinize the HVAC Ductwork
Like the main heating and cooling units, ductwork has a limited lifespan. Where accessible, examine the ducts thoroughly. If you can check the attic or crawlspace, look for any separations or gaps along the duct runs. Ensure each vent is securely attached to its corresponding duct.
Inspect the interior of the ducts for dust accumulation or mold. While dust can be cleaned, its presence often indicates a need for more maintenance. Mold suggests excessive duct moisture, which could signal potential system failure.
3. Ask About the Insulation Status
Understanding the insulation details of a home is critical. Determine the amount and age of the insulation. Inadequate insulation results in less energy efficiency, leading to higher utility bills. If the insulation had been installed many years ago, it might have settled, necessitating a top-up. If the real estate agent lacks this information, request that they obtain it from the seller.
As you explore the home, pay attention to the ambient comfort. Do you notice any drafts near windows or doors? Assess if certain rooms feel unusually warm or cool compared to others. Also, be mindful of musty or stale smells that indicate poor air quality.
4. Assess the Air Conditioner Refrigerant Type
Check what refrigerant the home’s HVAC system utilizes. Many older systems operate with R-22, a standard choice for years. However, the EPA has prohibited its use in new systems. While existing units using R-22 can still be refilled, the refrigerant is becoming increasingly scarce and costly. It was entirely banned in 2020. You will then have to consider retrofitting the system to accommodate a new type of refrigerant or replacing the unit.
5. Evaluate Replacement and Operational Costs of the HVAC System
When considering a home purchase, assess whether you have the financial means to replace the HVAC system should it fail unexpectedly. Homes with older systems are particularly at risk for such costly emergencies.
Reviewing past energy bills can evaluate the system’s efficiency. The homeowner should provide energy expense records for at least two years. Unusually high bills can indicate that the heating and cooling system either needs to be better maintained or nearing the end of its functional life.
These guidelines help determine if a prospective home’s heating and cooling system could be a dealbreaker. For an informed decision, consider arranging a professional HVAC assessment during your homebuying journey. To schedule an inspection, contact Lake Region Energy today.
Additional HVAC Considerations
When examining a potential home, there are several additional factors concerning the heating and cooling system that you should consider:
Room to Room Evaluation
As you explore each room, take note of both the temperature and the moisture levels. Do any rooms or areas exhibit significant changes? Several factors could be causing these discrepancies:
- Blocked or leaky air ducts can disrupt proper airflow.
- An improperly sized furnace or air conditioner might not efficiently regulate temperatures.
- Blocked vents could impede air distribution.
- Poor insulation may allow heat to escape or enter, affecting the internal climate.
- An aging HVAC system might need to help maintain consistent temperatures throughout the home.
Vent Flow Inspection
When buying a house with an old HVAC, observe the positioning of the intake and outflow vents throughout the home. Check if there is a consistent airflow from these vents. Does the force of the air vary between different vents or rooms? Several issues can cause reduced airflow in one or more areas: air ducts may be blocked or dirty, which hinders air movement; ductwork might have leaks that compromise efficiency; the HVAC filter could be too restrictive for the system; air filters might be dirty or clogged, restricting flow; or the ducts could be oversized relative to the vents, disrupting proper air distribution.
HVAC Zoning
Check if the home features multiple heating and cooling zones. If it doesn’t have zoned HVAC, inquire whether the existing system can be adapted for zoning if you decide to implement it later. This is a crucial question to relay to your realtor.
Heating & Cooling System Age
Obtain details about the age, make, and model of the HVAC system installed in the home and its installation date. Research this specific model to understand its typical lifespan. Sometimes, an aging system may still have several operational years remaining. Generally, air conditioners are expected to last about 15 years, and furnaces usually require replacement between 15 and 20 years.
History of HVAC Maintenance
Request that the current homeowner supply detailed records of the HVAC system’s maintenance and repair history. This information will help you assess the current state of the maintenance schedule and the overall care the system has received. Older HVAC systems that need to be maintained appropriately are more likely to experience breakdowns and may require earlier replacement than those that have been diligently maintained. This detailed history becomes even more crucial when buying a house with an old HVAC.
HVAC Warranties & Service Plans
Inquire whether there are any active warranties or service plans on the HVAC system and confirm if they can be transferred to you upon purchase. It’s crucial to ask the current homeowner for this information. Consider negotiating with the homeowner to include a one-year home warranty that covers the HVAC system and other major appliances, providing additional protection against potential breakdowns after you move in.
Heating & AC Equipment Manuals
Ensure you collect all available manuals for the HVAC equipment. Obtain the model or serial numbers if the physical manuals are off-hand, as most manuals can be accessed and downloaded online. Having these manuals can provide valuable guidance, especially in emergencies.
Thermostats & Detectors Assessment
While thermostats and smoke/carbon monoxide detectors will be evaluated during the home inspection, knowing their age, model, and capabilities is beneficial beforehand. Based on their expected lifespan and current technology standards, consider whether you want to replace them.
Physical HVAC Unit Inspection
When inspecting the HVAC unit, be vigilant for any signs of dust, rust, or unusual noises. Even minor issues like a small amount of dust or a faint noise can be early indicators of potential problems with the heating and cooling system. If you are considering purchasing the home, hiring an HVAC professional to conduct a comprehensive inspection of the unit is wise.
Conclusion
Ultimately, you must decide whether the existing HVAC system is worth keeping or requires complete replacement. Installing a new system represents a significant expense. Consider this when buying a house with an old HVAC and finalizing the home’s purchase price, or ensure you have allocated sufficient funds to replace the system if necessary. This strategic planning can prevent unforeseen costs and ensure your home’s comfort.
Contact Lake Region Energy for All Your HVAC Needs
Lake Region Energy provides top-tier heating and cooling services across Maine and New Hampshire. Our team comprises highly trained and professionally certified technicians skilled in delivering exceptional HVAC tune-ups, repairs, installations, and replacements. Each technician has the expertise needed to service your HVAC system efficiently and effectively.
At Lake Region Energy, we pride ourselves on offering the most competitive pricing for heating and cooling services in the area. Our maintenance services enhance comfort, boost energy efficiency, and reduce heating and cooling bills. Should you require an HVAC repair or need a new system, we recommend the optimal solution that fits your budget. We stand behind our work with a satisfaction guarantee. For a free in-home estimate or to schedule a service appointment, call Lake Region Energy today.
For more information about our fuel deliveries and HVAC services, be sure to contact Lake Region Energy. You can click here to contact us, or you can call us at (207) 839-5500 to find out more. We offer a full line of heating and cooling repairs, maintenance services, and installations. Click the link to view our service area.
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