Buying a Home With Older HVAC Systems
Learn what you can do if you purchase a home with outdated HVAC systems.
An older home can offer a lot of benefits — charm, an established neighborhood and solid foundation. But it may also feature older appliances, including an old HVAC system. Before you make your purchase, consider these points to ensure you are prepared for any old furnace or air conditioning repairs or replacements that may be needed.
Get a home inspection
A great place to start to understand the state of your HVAC system is with your home inspection. The inspector will evaluate your heating and cooling system, and can alert you to any damage or necessary maintenance. Catching potential problems early in the buying process can help ensure you’re paying the right price for your new home.
Consider a home warranty
A home warranty may be a good idea if you are buying an older home. You’ll need to understand the terms of your warranty, but it may cover any old gas furnace or air conditioner troubleshooting repairs. You may be able to negotiate with the seller to cover the cost of a home warranty for the first year.
Use the HVAC system when negotiating the home price
If you are interested in buying the home but worried about the potential cost an old furnace or air conditioner repair or replacement, you can try negotiating the price with the seller. They may be willing to lower the price, allowing you to put the savings toward a newer unit.
Ask for an estimate
It might also be a good idea to get an estimate of how much a new HVAC system would cost before you buy the home. If the home inspector thinks the furnace or central air conditioning system won’t last long, you’ll want to determine the total cost to replace it. Or, if the house doesn’t have central air conditioning, you may want an estimate for the cost to purchase and install a new system. Installing air conditioning for older homes could be an extensive job, so getting an estimate can help you decide whether you are willing to buy the home as is.
To learn more about caring for an old HVAC system, or to schedule a service or repair appointment, contact your local American Standard Customer Care dealer.
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