HVAC Checklist: Purchasing an Older Home
When it comes to home shopping, there are always so many things to consider. This is especially true when it comes to buying an older home. Older homes absolutely have their charm. They can even be sturdier and more heartily built than many newer construction homes that were put together in a weekend by a large crew as part of a massive subdivision. Older homes have charm, character, and sometimes they have problems. There can be leaks in the roof or plumbing or even HVAC issues. All of these things should be checked out and kept in mind before you buy an older home. Today, we’re going to talk about what you can do to ensure the HVAC system of your potential new home is up to par and in good working order.
Check The Age Of The HVAC System
The house may be over twenty years old, but there is a chance that the HVAC system was recently replaced. Ask your realtor about any info regarding the furnace’s age and when the AC unit was last updated. You could be in luck and find out that the HVAC system has been recently updated, or you could find that you are stuck with the originals and they are on their last legs. Either way, you have some good talking points to go over with your realtor in the negotiation process. Don’t forget to also get any details on the service history of your HVAC appliances. An older system could be in great shape if it has been properly and regularly maintained.
Ask To Turn The Systems On
If at all possible, during a second or third walkthrough of the house with your agent, ask if you can flip on the AC and the furnace to see how they are running. If you notice any smells, smoke, loud sounds as they kick on, then you may be in for a huge replacement bill soon if you were to buy the house. There is no substitute for seeing firsthand exactly how the home’s furnace and AC are working. Don’t be afraid to check them out! It could save you thousands of dollars on the asking price!
Ask About Ductwork
Now, it’s not very common, but some older homes don’t have any heating or cooling ducts at all. Ask your agent and have your home inspector take special care to check out existing ductwork and make sure that you have a good network installed (if they are there in the first place). If your house doesn’t have ductwork installed don’t worry, you have options. You can either use alternative heating and cooling systems or you can install your own ductwork after the fact.
Check The Thermostat
Does your potential home’s thermostat use mercury and springs instead of LED displays and keypad buttons? Then it might be high time to replace or update your thermostat situation. Even the oldest of homes can upgrade to a new, modern smart thermostat like Google’s Nest. An older thermostat is a sure sign of an old HVAC system so check accordingly.
Have Your Home Inspector Do A Thorough Ductwork Review
Whether you’re buying an older home or a home built last year, it’s always a good idea to get it inspected by a licensed private inspector that you trust. Before your inspector starts this time, ask them to pay special attention to the state of the ductwork in the home. Is it leaking? Area there holes or damage along the joints? Is there dust and debris buildup from years of disrepair? All of these things should be kept in mind as you are making your final offer on your new (to you) home.
That’s a lot to consider, but it can really pay off when it comes to negotiating a price on that beautiful older home you have your sights set on. Hope some of these tips can come in handy!
About FAMCO MFG
FAMCO is one of the largest suppliers of ventilation products and HVAC accessories in the United States. If you are relocating or installing a new laundry room, we have a wide selection of dryer vents to choose from, including everything from plastic wall vents to copper vents with a damper. If you have any questions regarding dryer vent installation, feel free to get in touch with us. We'll be more than happy to help.