How Can You Tell if the Heating System Has Been Maintained When Home Shopping?

When inspecting a prospective new home for you and your family, there’s a lot you have to consider. One of the most pressing questions is if any repairs need to be done, especially with the home’s HVAC unit. The last thing you want is to finish moving in only to realize that the HVAC system doesn’t work, leaving you and your family without effective heating and cooling.

If the home’s heating system is in poor condition, you can potentially negotiate for an HVAC replacement and installation in your buyer’s agreement – which is why vigilance is crucial during that initial inspection stage.

Signs That Can Indicate the State of an HVAC System

Regular Servicing and Maintenance Records

If available, you should request the system’s maintenance records from the previous homeowner or real estate agent. If these records show that the system has been consistently maintained every year, it’s a good sign that it’s still in good condition.

Visual Inspection

Sometimes, you can tell the state of an HVAC system just by looking at it. Look for signs of wear and tear, such as rust, corrosion or damaged parts.

Performance Sample

During a home inspection or visit, ask to turn on the heating system. Real estate agents will work hard to curate an ideal interior environment, which can sometimes involve hiding the truth about your prospective home. Be wary when you visit a home where strong-smelling candles are lit to hide a distinct odor, or the showing agent is avoiding turning on the HVAC system. If the system struggles to heat the space once turned on or makes loud and unusual noises, it’s usually a clear sign that it’s been poorly maintained and requires replacement.

Clean Air Filters

Ask how often the previous homeowners changed the system’s air filters. If they haven’t been regularly replaced, it could indicate poor indoor air quality and require prompt HVAC replacement.

Energy Efficiency

An HVAC system near the end of its life tends to waste a lot of energy and drive up utility bills. Checking the home’s energy bills for the past year can indicate if the system is still performing optimally or not.

Noxious Odors

If the home’s heating system emits a weird smell when running, such as a burning or musty odor, it could be a sign that the system has been neglected and needs replacing.

Our Professionals Can Evaluate a Prospective Home’s HVAC System for You

The experienced HVAC technicians at Tom’s Mechanical Inc. can inspect your potential new home’s HVAC system and give you a report on its overall condition that you can use in negotiations. Our team will use our expertise to check for the issues you may not be able to see at first glance, including leaks and faulty wiring. We’ll ensure your home provides reliable heating and cooling and healthy indoor air quality so you and your family can enjoy your new home in peace.

Our technicians are available 24/7 to perform emergency tune-ups and ensure the system is functioning optimally, which includes replacing air filters, cleaning debris, pet dander and dust in air ducts and clearing drain lines. If the home’s HVAC system is beyond repair, our team can provide competitive replacement estimates and install a new model quickly during our seamless, stress-free installation process.

If your system doesn’t need a replacement but isn’t as strong as you hoped, we can suggest upgrades to boost its efficiency while keeping your budget in mind, such as zoning. Retrofitting your system with zoning[1]  allows you to control the temperature in different areas of your home independently. Our HVAC team can help you map out an efficient zoning plan for your new home and calibrate your system accordingly so you can maximize your comfort and minimize your energy bills.

Hire HVAC Experts That Support Homeowners and Work Hard to Keep Your Home Comfortable

At Tom’s Mechanical Inc., we’ve been providing Arlington residents with dependable, top-rated service for over 60 years. Our HVAC team has made thousands of families more comfortable in their homes, earning an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

Work with a team that prioritizes your budget and schedule over arbitrary quotas. Call (817) 277-4493 or contact us online for a free HVAC system replacement quote.