HVAC Inspection before Buying a House
Whether you are buying a home for yourself or to sell to others, it’s important to know what real estate amenities can make or break the value of a home. An HVAC system is a big component of any home. As a homebuyer, a high-quality HVAC unit should be up on the top of your list alongside the right number of bedrooms and bathrooms. While the HVAC system may be working now, you will want to know how long it will last, how much it will cost to replace, how to maintain it, and what noises and failure signs to watch out for. When it comes to HVAC systems, here are four things that you should know about them.
The first and possibly most important thing to now about HVAC systems is their general lifespans. You don’t want to buy a house expecting it to be in good condition, only to have to completely replace the entire HVAC system in a few years. In general, most home HVAC systems will last for between 15 and 20 years. As new technology advancements come out, HVAC systems are projected to last even longer. When buying a home, it’s important to understand the age of the HVAC system components. This way, you can determine how much time you likely have before you need to replace the HVAC system components. This is vital for planning out necessary expenses in the future.
An important thing homebuyers must know is the cost of an HVAC system. If you’re purchasing a home with an existing HVAC system, you can expect the replacement to run anywhere between $6,000 and $9,000. However, if you purchase a home that doesn’t have an existing HVAC system, it could run more in the $10,000 to $12,000 range. Keep these prices in mind while inspecting potential houses so the expenses won’t surprise you.
One factor that can greatly affect the lifespan of an HVAC system is maintenance. If the system is properly maintained, then it will likely last well beyond its estimated lifespan. However, if the system was poorly maintained, it may last much shorter than the manufacturer estimates. Asking to see previous service records can help you to determine just how well the HVAC system was maintained. Keep your system serviced regularly to keep it in good condition.
When you’re touring a potential home, it’s important to pay attention to the HVAC system. If you hear noises like chirping, humming, clunking, or squealing, it’s an indication that something isn’t right with the HVAC unit. Before you move forward to make an offer on the home, you’ll want to ensure that the HVAC system gets properly serviced. This way, you’re not stuck paying for hefty repair bills once you move in.
When buying a new home, there are a lot of different things to look for. The health of the HVAC system should be on the top of your list. If you pay attention to the four things above, you’ll be well on your way to ensuring that you’re purchasing a home with a healthy HVAC system.
By Brooke Chaplan
who is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home and residing in Los Lunas, New Mexico.
Member since October, 2019
View all the articles of Brooke Chaplan.