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It's getting HOT in the Triangle!
June 02, 2018   |  Published by Taylor Brauer Realty Team

At TBRG, we always recommend that our buyers hire a qualified home inspector to make sure the mechanical and structural components of a home are in good order. Spending a few hundred dollars when in the due diligence period is a valuable in determining whether or not a home is a good purchase. Not only will we recommend an experienced home inspector for you, we will attend the home inspection so we know firsthand any issues that may arise. We continue to be with you every step of the way by sitting down with our buyers and going through the inspection in depth---discussing pros and cons and helping our buyers to decide on any needed repair requests. Whether in Chapel Hill, Durham or the greater area, contact us for any questions you may have about buying, home inspections and HVAC systems. We're here to help!

  1. What type of HVAC system does the home have installed? Some homes do not have cooling systems at all. Fortunately in this area, most HVAC systems will have a central cooling with forced air. Other types of cooling systems include room or window units. 
  2. What powers the HVAC system? Common power sources are electric, gas and oil. Click HERE for an article that discusses the environmental pros and cons for gas vs. electric. Keep in mind for oil heating, you will need to maintain an oil tank and purchase oil, as needed.
  3. How old is the HVAC system? On average systems last between 10 to 15 years. Keep this in mind when negotiating your contract. On average, newer systems will work more efficiently.  
  4. What are the average utility bills for cooling (and heating) for this home? This is a great way to see if the monthly costs are within your budget. It can also give you insight into if the system is working efficiently or not. You can also ask what the current owners keep their thermostat set to, on average, during the winter and during the summer.
  5. Is there a warranty in place? Buyers will want to verify that if there is a warranty, it will continue with a change of ownership. Many times the warranty will not or will need an extension or addendum added that may allow the new homeowner coverage for a specified period of time.

We know how hot it gets Chapel Hill and Durham! Here are a few tips for reducing energy costs after you purchased your new home.  

  • Make sure your air filters are clean or install new ones.
  • Shut your blinds and curtains especially during the hottest part of the day.
  • Use ceiling fans to circulate the air.
  • Raise your thermostats temperature just a few degrees.
  • Use programmable thermostats.

TBRG loves the green building standards at many of our local communities. Here are 4 Must-Have Green Features for Your Next Home according to Peter Winkler, on-site agent at Briar Chapel for Homes by Dickerson:

  1. Solar PV Systems
  2. Wifi Thermostats
  3. Electric Vehicle Chargers
  4. LED lightning

Read the whole article here!

sources:

Important HVAC Questions to Ask When Buying a Home (Posted by Smart Touch Energy on Jul 11, 2017 9:23:57 AM)
6 TIPS TO REDUCE ENERGY COSTS THIS SPRING IN CHAPEL HILL, NC


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