If you’re the kind of person who checks under the hood before buying a new or used car, then why would you be less picky about the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in the home you are about to buy?
HVAC systems are often overlooked when buying a home. In fact, people are more concerned with what the kitchen countertops look like. But what’s more important? The granite counters or the comfort level inside your new home?
Being aware of what to look into and having experts inspect your HVAC systems regularly could save you some migraines as well as lots of money.
Inspect what you expect:
(1) Check to see where the air conditioning unit is located. Next to the master bedroom, so that when it cranks on, you’re wide awake at night? If side yards code setbacks are too narrow, units are oftentimes located outside living areas. Wherever it has been placed, make sure you can live with it. In a two-story home, determine whether the unit has the capacity to pump enough cool air to the upper floor
(2) The question plaguing Dustin Hoffman in the old movie, Marathon Man was – “Is it safe?” The AC unit shouldn’t have gaps where kids can stick their little hands into the louvers.
(3) Did your furnace come over with Columbus? It’s like driving a car with bald tires – would you want to put your family in that car? Most furnaces have an average life span of 20-25 years. Chances are, you’ll only purchase a furnace once or twice in your lifetime, so don’t wait until it’s kaput before you replace it
(4) Have the furnace checked for carbon monoxide leaks. Older furnaces don’t carry the safeguards newer ones do.
(5) Proper electrical wiring is vital. Make sure your breakers and circuits are protected – in fact a dedicated circuit is optimum.
(6) Were the proper city codes observed when the unit was installed? If you purchase a home with an illegally installed heating or air conditioning unit, you’ll put out a wad of cash when you need to replace it after the city inspects it.
(7) According to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Consumer Guide, today's best air conditioners use 30%–50% less energy to produce the same amount of cooling as air conditioners made in the mid 1970s. Even if the air conditioner is only 10 years old, you may save 20%–40% of your cooling energy costs by replacing it with a newer, more efficient model.
Lat but not least, proper sizing and installation are key elements in determining air conditioner efficiency. Central air conditioners are rated according to their seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER), which indicates the relative amount of energy needed to provide a specific cooling output. Older systems can have SEER ratings of 6 or less. The minimum SEER allowed today is 13. Look for the ENERGY STAR® label for central air conditioners with SEER ratings of 13 or greater.
Dena Kouremetis is a veteran freelance real estate consumer journalist and California real estate broker. She may be reached by email at REritr@aol.com.
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