Buying a house is a big decision, and it is important to consider all aspects of the property before making a purchase. One of the most important things to consider is the age of the HVAC system. The average lifespan of an HVAC system is between 15 and 20 years, and if the unit is between 14 and 17 years old, it is time to start planning for its replacement. When looking at a potential home, it is essential to check the age of the unit.
Ask the current homeowner if they can provide you with maintenance records for the units. If the system is more than 15 years old, factor in the cost of replacing the heating or cooling and how it will fit into your budget. It is also wise to consult a professional HVAC technician for an evaluation. If you are going to buy a house that will need to replace the air conditioning system in a short time, do you have enough savings to take care of it? Buying an older home can come with several benefits such as high-quality construction, greater charm, and generally lower prices.
However, older homes also often have older air conditioning systems. If you are seriously considering buying the home, contact your trusted local HVAC technician for a full inspection of the unit. Some homeowners may improve or replace home HVAC systems to increase value, but since the average lifespan of an HVAC system is 15 to 25 years, homes for sale are more likely to have older HVAC systems. Beyond the immediate benefits, buying a home with an old boiler or air conditioning system can also affect energy costs.
A house without adequate insulation inevitably forces your air conditioning system to work harder, putting more stress on the system. Replacing an HVAC system can be expensive, so you may want to negotiate the cost of the house or set aside some money to replace the system.
