Buyers often get excited about a home’s design and aesthetic appeal and tend to ignore the HVAC system completely. Your home’s HVAC system is your lifeline during hot summers and freezing winters. It makes your home more livable and comfortable. Never underestimate its importance, and if you need any assurances, read this blog, where we give compelling reasons not to overlook HVAC systems while buying a home.
What Constitutes An HVAC System?
The HVAC is an acronym for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. It keeps the temperature of your home comfortable during hot or cold seasons. It is a centralized system with a network of ducts, pipes, devices, and equipment distributed throughout the house.
Like other home systems and gadgets, HVAC systems need regular upkeep and maintenance for optimal performance and longevity.
Why You Should Never Overlook the HVAC System In A Home Inspection?
Your HVAC system is a critical part of your home. If it is not running well, you will experience discomfort. Also, fixing it usually entails heavy expenses. Here, we explain a few reasons why you should never skip its inspection when buying a new home or during routine home inspections.
1- Fixing It May Cost You Dearly
Buying a house without checking the HVAC system can lead to expensive repair expenses later. The cost of repairs could range from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand. The actual cost depends on the complexity of the system, the nature of the fault, and the size of the property. Replacements for key system components like furnaces and air conditioners can be very expensive.
A home inspection allows you to find out if there are any underlying issues with the HVAC system. The inspection helps you avoid large future expenses by finding HVAC problems right away.
2- Inefficient HVAC System Can Spike Energy Bills
Old and inefficient HVAC systems can jack up your energy bills. After purchasing your new home, you likely don’t know how much your HVAC system adds to your monthly utility payments. A poorly functioning HVAC system uses more energy than it should and, therefore, pushes your energy bills higher.
An inspector will look for signs that the HVAC system may not operate efficiently, such as outdated units or poor insulation. If this is resolved early enough, you could spend less on bills and energy each month.
3- Poor HVAC System Can Harm Your Health
An HVAC system does more than just control temperature; it also impacts indoor air quality. Pollution can cause different diseases, especially if you have issues with your sinuses or breathing trouble. A check will reveal if air circulation is right, ductwork is dirty, or mold and dust have accumulated.
If the system does not work properly or if the air filters are dirty, the house may be filled with dangerous particles. This can affect your health in the long run without you realizing it. Better get it inspected by a qualified home inspector to save your health.
4- Checking Its Compatibility With Modern Standards
HVAC systems have come a long way. Newer models are not only more economical but also safer and operate silently. Old systems may not conform to the current safety requirements and may even pose a fire risk.
A home inspection can reveal whether the HVAC system is up to date or needs replacement. If the system is old, you must budget a specific amount for its replacement and continue enjoying its benefits.
How Long Will Your HVAC System Last?
HVAC systems have a finite lifespan. They are designed to last a maximum of 20 years, but some may last even less than that if they don’t get proper care. If you’re buying an older home, it’s important to determine the age of the HVAC system. A system on its last legs will require replacement, which will involve heavy costs. You might need to start appropriating money for that.
A professional home inspector will inform you how old this system is and whether it runs efficiently or not.
How Dangerous A Faulty HVAC System Be?
Lastly, safety should always be a top priority. Faulty HVAC systems can be dangerous if not properly maintained. For instance, a gas furnace with a degradation issue may have a carbon monoxide leakage. If your HVAC system has gas leaks, worn-out parts, or electrical problems, it
could create serious hazards for your home and family.
A trained professional will check the HVAC system for safety concerns during the home inspection. Before you finally move in, if anything seems likely to harm you, you will be informed about it, and nasty surprises await you after you have moved in.
Conclusion: Don’t Overlook The HVAC System In A Home Inspection
Your HVAC system is an integral part of your home. It has important roles ranging from heating services during the cold seasons to acting as an air conditioner during the hot seasons. Failure to notice it during a home inspection may seriously cost you big in terms of repair bills, energy consumption, or your health.
If you’re buying or selling a home, inspect the HVAC system thoroughly. It makes financial sense because it’s cheaper to fix a problem once it has been identified. Waiting for it to escalate and become worse will cost you more, cause you discomfort, and damage the structural integrity of your house.
It’s not safe to ignore certain details in your home inspection. At 1st Rate Inspections, we ensure that every part of your home, including the HVAC system, is thoroughly checked. Don’t let your fears consume you any longer—call and schedule an inspection today.
