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HVAC and Plumbing Tips for First-time Homebuyers

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Buying a home can be exciting, especially when it’s your first one. You’ll finally have a place to make your own, but it is important to not overlook the working parts of the property.

Your HVAC and plumbing systems help make your home comfortable and livable, so it is important to learn about the history and the condition of them before you make your first home purchase.

Inspection

Start off with a professional inspection of both your HVAC unit and your plumbing system. A typical home inspection during escrow includes your homes major systems, plumbing, HVAC, and electrical.

Sometimes the current homeowner may have a record of a home inspection prior to listing the house on the market. This is important to ask the realtor about.

Although your home inspection covers both your HVAC and plumbing systems, not every certified home inspector is qualified to determine the true condition of those systems.

First, ask for a copy of the evaluation report and always consider getting a second opinion from an HVAC and plumbing professional.

History

When it comes to an inspection, you may get some history behind the systems of your potential home, but it is not always every single repair or issue that your plumbing or HVAC has had along the way.

You should consider asking the realtor if the owner has maintenance and repair records for your systems.

Also remember to keep your records once you buy the home, so if and when you decide to sell it, you can provide this information.

The history of the system also means it’s age. A typical HVAC system usually lasts between 15 to 25 years. Keep this in mind, because if your system is about 10 years old or older, you may need repairs or a replacement sooner than you think.

The same goes for your plumbing. You don’t know how old your pipes are, or your fixtures. An inspection may help, but the history of your system and issues from the past may help you know what to look out for and how to make decisions when it comes to your plumbing.

Location

When moving into your new home, it is important to know the location of your systems and all the important parts.

This will include the main water shut off valve for your plumbing, water heater, HVAC outdoor unit, thermostats, and much more.

Warning Signs

Know warning signs of potential issues with your systems. Some can be spotted during a showing or open house, and others may not be noticeable until you’ve been in the home for a while.

For your plumbing, keep an eye out for:

  • How faucets run

  • The color and texture of the water

  • Clogs in sinks and toilets

  • How and if the garbage disposal system works

  • Leaks

  • Outdated fixtures, which can be later remodeled

For your HVAC, look out for:

  • Uneven house temperatures

  • Uneven humidity levels

  • Refrigerant is leaking from the AC

  • The unit is blowing warm air when AC is on

  • There are unpleasant smells or unusual noises

  • Dirty vents or ducts

  • Rust or corrosion on unit

  • Systems cycling on and off

Emergency Contact

When buying a new home, you should always have emergency numbers on hand for your property. Gather numbers of your local professionals, on your phone or on your fridge.

These numbers may include, a local plumbing and HVAC company, local law enforcement, local roofing company, and more.

Korrect Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc., are experts within the Dayton, Ohio, and surrounding area. Call us at (937) 837-2333 for all your plumbing, drain, heating, and air needs.