Anyone buying a house can tell you, there are a lot of factors to consider when choosing a home. Size, location, and layout are some of the main things people consider.
There’s a factor that many prospective homeowners don’t think about, however, that should be carefully considered before making a final decision. The condition of the prospective home’s HVAC system can have a long-term impact on your budget. You want to make sure you know what you’re getting into.
Some factors to consider include the overall energy efficiency of the house and the age and condition of the HVAC system. Here’s what to look for:
Energy Efficiency
- Insulation. Is the house properly insulated? Was insulation added to any additions or rooms that were enclosed after the main home was built? Adding insulation is a simple fix, but the cost does grow with every room you have to insulate.
- Ducts. Holes or gaps in the ductwork waste energy. Luckily, they are usually easy to repair once you know they exist.
- Sealed windows, doors, and other openings. Air leaks can drive up your energy bills. If you’re buying a home, you can test the various openings into the home for air leaks using an incense stick. Hold the lit incense stick near doors, windows, openings for pipes and wires, etc. If the smoke blows toward or away from the opening, you have a leak that needs to be sealed.
HVAC System
- Age. An A/C typically only lasts 15 years while a furnace lasts up to 20. If the system is nearing that age or older, you can assume you’re looking at a replacement in the near future. Advancements in energy efficiency mean that older systems have higher energy usage than newer systems.
- Condition. Two systems that are the same age can be in very different condition depending on their maintenance history. Having a professional check the condition of the HVAC system could save you money and stress in the long run.
Need to know more about HVAC considerations when buying a house in the Portland area? Contact Roth Heating & Cooling.
