According to a survey of home inspectors, heating problems were the fourth most frequently cited issues--after water problems, electrical problems, and leaky roofs. Most often mentioned were broken or malfunctioning operating controls, blocked chimneys, and unsafe venting systems. Inspectors often discover minor problems such as malfunctioning thermostats and dirty furnace filters, but it is rare for them to find a heating system so damaged or old that it needs to be completely replaced.

Another concern is foundation cracks. Few things cause panic as much as cracks in the foundation wall. Modest diagonal or vertical cracks commonly seen in foundations are usually the result of expansion and contraction or normal settlement and don't indicate a serious structural problem. If a foundation wall crack is less than 1/8" wide, and there's no other evidence of severe movement, there's usually little cause for concern.

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