HVAC is the second most scrutinized item in a sale after the roof. Furnaces and AC units have different lifespans -- a furnace typically outlasts a central AC unit by 5+ years -- but they're often replaced together for efficiency reasons. Annual maintenance extends life significantly; a neglected system can fail 5 years early.

• Increasing utility bills without explanation
• Uneven heating or cooling between rooms
• Unusual noises -- banging, rattling, squealing
• Frequent cycling on and off
• Yellow or flickering furnace burner flame (should be blue)
• Excessive dust or humidity problems
• Repairs becoming more frequent and more expensive

Tank water heaters are one of the most common pre-listing surprises in Cheverly homes. They fail without much warning, usually as a leak or complete loss of hot water. An 10-year-old water heater is at the end of its useful life regardless of whether it's currently working -- it's a matter of when, not if.

• Rusty or discolored hot water
• Rumbling or popping sounds (sediment buildup)
• Water pooling around the base -- even small amounts
• Inconsistent water temperature
• Taking longer than usual to recover after use
• Unit is more than 10 years old (check the serial number for manufacture date)

The electrical panel is less about age than condition and capacity -- but certain panel brands and configurations are red flags for insurance companies and buyers regardless of age. In Cheverly's older homes, the panel is often the limiting factor when homeowners want to add circuits for EV chargers, hot tubs, or major appliances.

• Breakers that trip frequently or won't reset
• Burning smell or scorch marks near the panel
• Buzzing or crackling sounds from the panel
• Panel feels warm to the touch
• Fuse box (not breakers) -- typically indicates pre-1960s original wiring
• Federal Pacific or Zinsco brand panels -- known safety issues, flagged by inspectors
• Double-tapped breakers (two wires on one breaker) -- a code violation

Cheverly homes were typically built with galvanized steel supply lines and cast iron drain lines inside the house, and terra cotta for the sewer lateral to the street. Galvanized pipe corrodes from the inside out, progressively reducing water pressure and flow. Cast iron and terra cotta have long lives but fail in specific, predictable ways covered in our older homes guide.

• Declining water pressure throughout the house (not just one fixture)
• Brown or rusty water, especially first thing in the morning
• Slow drains in multiple fixtures -- cast iron or lateral blockage
• Recurring clogs in the same line -- root intrusion in terra cotta
• Visible corrosion or rust staining on pipe exteriors
• Sewage smell without an obvious source

Original wood windows in Cheverly homes can last indefinitely with proper maintenance -- they were often better made than modern replacements. The question is usually whether the glazing, weatherstripping, and operation are still functional. Replacement vinyl or double-pane windows have a shorter life than well-maintained originals, but significantly better energy performance.

• Fogging or condensation between panes -- seal failure, insulating value lost
• Drafts or significant air infiltration around frame
• Difficulty opening, closing, or locking
• Visible rot in wood frames or sills
• Peeling paint or water staining on interior sills -- moisture infiltration

Smoke and CO detectors are the most under-maintained safety items in most homes. They expire -- the sensors degrade over time and will not reliably detect what they're supposed to detect, even if the unit still chirps when you test it. The manufacture date is on the back. If it's over 10 years old (smoke) or 7 years old (CO), replace it regardless of apparent function.

• Smoke detectors required on every level, inside each sleeping area, and outside each sleeping area
• Carbon monoxide detectors required on every level with sleeping areas in homes with fuel-burning appliances or attached garages
• At resale, Maryland requires sellers to certify detectors are installed and functional