Check The HVAC Unit Before You Buy The Home

Are you buying a new home? When you’re shopping around for a new house, be sure to consider a home’s HVAC system.

Because heating and air conditioning make up half of your energy costs, and faulty equipment can lead to expensive repairs, it’s a great idea to spend a little time checking the unit before making an offer on your dream home.

HVAC New Home Checklist:

Below we offer a basic checklist for potential home buyers. By reviewing these items, you can get a better sense for whether or not the previous owner properly maintained the unit.

Thermostat

• Does it turn on and off, and if it’s digital, can you adjust the settings?
• Turn the unit on and test the temperature against the thermostat settings.

Outside compressor unit

• There should be no shrubs, vines, or other plants within two feet of the HVAC unit.
• Check that the unit is level, as a tilt will hurt efficient operation.
• Confirm that the fan blades are in good shape and turn easily.

Inside unit

• Check for dirt or dust inside the unit that can compromise function.
• Is there standing water in the condensate drain or evidence of water damage? With a clog in the drain, water can build up, rusting components and flooding the surrounding area.
• Make sure there are no dents or obvious damage in the coils.
• If the unit uses natural gas or propane, smell for gas leaks. Turn on the furnace and look for a blue flame. If it’s flickering or is yellow or orange, there may be problems with furnace combustion or gas lines.

Ductwork

• If any ductwork is exposed, check for peeling duct tape, streaking on the ducts that could indicate air leaks or other damage.

Registers

• Examine the registers throughout the house as well as the return air grill near the unit. Ensure none are clogged with dust, pet hair or other debris.
• Open and shut each register to ensure they function properly and aren’t jammed.
• While the unit is running, check to make sure air flows through all open vents. Low or no airflow may suggest duct issues.

Repair history

• Ask the seller for receipts or other documentation on the HVAC servicing, including date of installation, maintenance and repair history.

Other factors affecting A/C and heating costs

While it’s important to ensure the HVAC unit is in good condition, you also don’t want to be surprised by astronomical heating or air conditioning service costs.

Here are a few additional things to consider:

• Heating and A/C costs: Ask for previous years’ electrical and gas bills, especially for the coldest and hottest parts of the year.
• Home insulation: What kind of insulation was used in the walls and the attic? If it’s an older home, it’s worth finding out if anyone has ever replaced the insulation.
• Is the unit the correct size for the home? If you’re not sure if the existing unit is the appropriate size for the house you’re considering, try this handy online calculator. You can enter the square footage of your prospective home and learn how large an HVAC unit you’d need to cool and heat that home.
• Are there trees or other buildings shading any part of the home or the roof?  Vegetation can provide shade in the summer, reducing cooling costs (though large branches can also pose a hazard in severe weather).
• Are there many windows on the south and west sides of the home? In warmer climates, windows placed on these sides of the home will allow more sunlight inside, making it more challenging to cool a home unless they are insulated windows or you use thick curtains or blinds.

Are the windows insulated (double-paned)? Are there storm windows and storm doors? Is there weatherstripping around exterior doors? These additions are all excellent ways to reduce heating and A/C costs.

When to call out the experts

By following our checklist and other tips, you should have a pretty good idea of the state of the HVAC unit and other heating and cooling issues for your potential new home.

Once you’ve purchased your new home, contact ABC Home and Commercial Services San Antonio. Our expert HVAC technicians can provide a professional inspection of your unit, thermostat, and ductwork to make sure everything runs efficiently. Our staff can also make recommendations for landscaping and home repairs to ensure your unit doesn’t have to work overtime to keep your home comfortable year-round.