Old HVAC System? What To Check When Buying a Home

Buying an older home comes with various benefits, including high-quality construction, increased charm, and typically lower price points. However, older homes also usually come with older HVAC systems.

The odds are good that the home isn’t equipped with a furnace, boiler, or even central air conditioning system.

Some homeowners may upgrade or replace homes’ HVAC systems to increase the value but given the average lifespan of an HVAC system is 15 to 25 years, it’s more likely houses for sale will have old HVAC systems.

Knowing what to look for can make all the difference. Use this checklist before you buy a house with an old furnace, boiler, or air conditioning system.

HVAC Inspection Checklist

One of the top priorities when buying any home should be to schedule a home inspection. Professionals can often spot potential issues and insight as to whether the equipment will need to be replaced sooner rather than later.

Buyers can also investigate historical information of the property on their own to get an idea of how well systems might be working.

Ask to See Service Records

Regular maintenance can extend the life of an HVAC system. Service records indicate how well the system has been cared for and can provide a good idea of what may need to be serviced soon.

Most systems need a tune-up and preventive maintenance once or twice a year. 

Look at the HVAC System

Even without any experience, a quick visual inspection can provide valuable information.

Are there any cracks, dents, or rust? Is it possible to hear strange noises while the system runs? These issues can indicate a problem with the furnace, boiler, AC, vents, or ductwork.

Notice Temperature and Humidity from Room-to-Room

Walk through the house and note whether the temperature and moisture levels feel consistent. Significant temperature differences in specific rooms or areas could indicate duct problems, blocked vents, improper system capacity, or an HVAC system that’s too old to keep up with the home’s cooling and heating demands.

Feel the Airflow

The airflow coming out of the vents can provide useful information. Low airflow may indicate problems, such as:

• Dirty ducts or filters
• Leaks in the ductwork
• Improperly sized ducts

Ask About the Age of the System & Its Components

Although the average lifespan of an HVAC system ranges from 15 to 25 years, individual components may require replacement sooner. For example, consider the following average timeframes for replacing different parts:

• AC (window units): 10 years
• Single whole-home HVAC units: 15 years
• Furnaces: 18 years
• Heat pumps: 15-25 years
• Boilers: 15-35 years
• Thermostats: 10 years

Find Out if There’s a Warranty

If there’s a warranty that’s still active, is it transferable? If not, you may be able to ask the homeowner to provide a one-year warranty to cover the old HVAC system in case it breaks down.

Check the Home’s Insulation

A house without adequate insulation inevitably forces its HVAC system to work harder, placing more stress on the system. Note any drafty areas, which could indicate insulation problems or the need to seal gaps and cracks.

Knowledge is Power When Buying a House with an Old HVAC System

A quick home inspection can determine if the HVAC system is at the end of its life. It can also provide a good indication of the system’s efficiency and any potential problems that may already exist. Catching these issues early may be useful when engaging in home price negotiations.

Beyond the immediate benefits, buying a house with an old furnace or HVAC system may also impact energy costs. Although many older HVAC systems work efficiently for years, frequent repairs can be costly, and inefficient operations can drain your monthly energy budget.

Following an HVAC inspection checklist now can save money later. The information can be a deciding factor in whether to upgrade or replace the equipment immediately or wait to do it down the road.

Buying a House with an Old HVAC? Call Standard

A professional inspection can provide detailed, valuable information about the system. Don’t choose just any company. Choose an HVAC installer you can trust.

Standard doesn’t just provide inspections. Our HVAC and insulation installation company offers tune-ups, maintenance, replacements, and upgrades. With more than 90 years in the business, the Standard reputation throughout the Mohawk Valley and Capital Region is unmatched.

Whether you need a consultation or a free consultation after the purchase, Standard can help.

Our professionals will work with you to help save you money and live comfortably. Schedule a free consultation today to see how we can help. From insulation to furnaces, boilers, and AC units, the highly trained experts at Standard can do it all.