When purchasing a new home, it is important to ask the right questions before making an offer. HVAC systems are not something to take lightly. Having an understanding of the most important issues can help you make sure your house is in good condition and worth buying. You don’t want to be stuck with expensive HVAC problems after signing on the dotted line. This article focuses on the top questions that will benefit any homeowner looking into buying a new home with an HVAC system.
What is an HVAC System?
HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. It is a broad term that can refer to any system in your home that uses electricity to heat the air or cool the air in your house. HVAC systems are often one of the biggest sources of power consumption in homes. An HVAC unit consists of three parts: the blower, which moves air around in your house, an indoor unit where conditioned air is distributed throughout your home, and an outdoor unit that houses all of the electrical components involved with powering the system.
Homeowners are generally responsible for two kinds of repair jobs when it comes to HVAC units — basic maintenance like changing filters or making small repairs, and more intensive jobs like larger repairs or installation.
Top Questions for Homeowners
There is a lot to consider when purchasing a new home with an HVAC unit, but there are two categories of questions that stand out. The first pertains to issues with the system itself, and the second has to do with maintenance and upkeep costs.
HVAC Issues
Homeowners should ask about any problems or defects in the system’s components. These can include:
· How old is the system? How often was it serviced?
· Has it been repaired in the past? What were the types of problems, and how recently were they addressed?
· Are parts easily accessible in your area? Can someone without special training install them?
One of the most important questions to ask, especially if you are planning on buying an older home with an HVAC unit, is whether or not the system has been tested for emissions compliance. Starting in 2014, all new HVAC units must be low-NOx models that cut down on harmful emissions. If your house was built prior to this date and does not meet current standards, it may be time for a replacement.
HVAC Upkeep and Costs
It is vital that homeowners consider how often they will need to service their HVAC units. Part of this process is also considering whether or not repair services can easily be performed by someone without extensive knowledge of the inner workings of the system. The frequency of service should depend on the make, model, and age of the system. Also important is whether or not your house has central air conditioning. Homes without central air typically require less HVAC maintenance.
The second category of questions that homeowners need to ask themselves before purchasing a new home with an HVAC unit has to do with their own preferences and habits, as well as estimated costs for upkeep over time. Some considerations are:
· Does my family use heat during certain periods? How often? What temperature do we like it at?
· How much insulation does the home have? Is there already an HVAC unit in place? Is there enough space for another one?
· How often do I want the system serviced? How much should this cost?
The answers to these questions can help you determine whether or not to buy a home with an existing HVAC unit. However, it is also worth asking about the cost of installing new systems in houses without them. If your family uses heat very frequently during certain seasons, you may need two separate units to accommodate both heating and cooling needs.
Benefits of Having an HVAC Inspection
When buying a home with an HVAC unit, it is always worth paying for an inspection before signing on the dotted line. This includes both looking at the overall condition of all components as well as having someone inspect the air filtration system. The latter is necessary because the presence of any mold or mildew could indicate poor airflow within the unit, causing it to work harder than usual and break down more quickly.
HVAC units are complex systems that often contain many parts that homeowners don’t see but must pay to replace periodically. Because of this, it’s important for people who already own homes with HVAC units to ask about their maintenance costs before buying another house. This can help them make an informed decision about whether or not they should purchase a new home with an existing unit, especially if they think they might move again in the future.
Always Choose a Licensed Professional for Services
When buying a new home with an HVAC unit, homeowners should ask about the HVAC contractor services and costs for installation and new parts.
HVAC is one of the most important selling points in some homes. If you’re planning on selling your home in the future, remodeling or upgrading your heating and cooling system could be worth it just to get more people interested in seeing your property.
Homeowners should also always choose a licensed professional for service on their HVAC units, including air conditioning repair and heater tune-ups. These professionals can help ensure that your home’s system is operating within safety parameters and performing its job effectively. Licensed contractors can make recommendations about what types of improvements might need to be made over time, as well as what steps you can take on your own to keep your unit running smoothly.
Be sure to ask about the benefits of regular HVAC maintenance, which is key for keeping energy costs down over time. Your contractor may have specific recommendations about how often you should have routine inspections for your system, given its age and condition. If you need help with your HVAC unit, contact Austin AC for a free consultation.