There are many things to consider when looking for a new home. The HVAC system should be at the top of the list. Many do not know what to look for when inspecting a furnace on their own. Here are a few things West Allis Heating and Air Conditioning recommend inspecting on the furnace before sealing the deal on a new home.
Rust
The main thing to look out for is rust. If any part of the furnace has rust, something on the unit is malfunctioning. Rust can mean the evaporating coil within the system is continuously freezing up. The appearance of rust could also imply that the inducer motor is leaking. Rust can also depict the age of the furnace. If there are any concerns about rust on the furnace, be sure to bring that information to your realtor.
Maintenance Records
Another thing to look for when briefly inspecting a home furnace is a maintenance record. Generally, the furnace has a designated area where maintenance records are stored. Checking dates of maintenance and service calls is important because if reflects how well monitored the system is. Annual maintenance is a proactive measure that extends the life of a furnace.
Unusual Sounds
Any rattling noise coming from the furnace is also a concern. Any noise can mean there is something loose or off balance in the unit itself. It could also insinuate a sign that a motor inside is failing. It is difficult to determine what is wrong with a furnace based off of a noise alone. Have an HVAC technician inspect the furnace if unusual sounds persist.
When purchasing a home, an unplanned replacement of a furnace or an air conditioner can be a very unhappy surprise. Having the furnace or HVAC system serviced before closing on a home is recommended. Any pressing issues would be brought to your attention during inspection or a tune and clean. Call the experts at West Allis Heating and Air Conditioning to be sure a thorough inspection is done on your potential HVAC system before purchasing your new home.
