Home Safety Seasonal HVAC Tips
Home ownership is an important goal for many people, and an achievement that should be celebrated. Celebrating may be the last thing you feel like doing, though, as you go through the home buying process. From appraisals to inspections to closing, the whirlwind of information and decisions can become pretty overwhelming.
One decision home buyers need to make, that should be simple, is whether or not to schedule a professional HVAC inspection. An air conditioner and furnace inspection can identify potential issues in the system while giving you more leverage to negotiate, saving you future headaches (and dollars). Here, we’ll take a look at why you should be setting up an HVAC inspection separate from your home inspection, how to do it, and what to do with the information you receive.
First, you need to know that home inspectors and HVAC inspectors are not the same. During a regular home inspection, the inspector assesses the overall condition of the home. Even though the HVAC system is checked, it’s often only tested to make sure it works reasonably well; it’s not given a thorough inspection by a trained professional. This simple check may overlook common system problems such as a cracked heat exchanger, excessive carbon monoxide levels or improper coolant levels.
A complete HVAC inspection can help you determine the age of the system, how long it can be expected to last, and what repairs may be needed in the future. This gives you the information that you need to make an educated offer on the home or ask that the seller have the HVAC system repaired or replaced before you finalize the deal.
It’s important that you have your HVAC equipment inspected before you close on your new home. The ideal window for an HVAC inspection is during the home inspection contingency period, which starts once your offer has been accepted.
It’s also best to plan your HVAC inspection after your home inspection, as that may give you a general understanding of the state of your heating system and AC unit, and provide you with detailed questions to ask your HVAC inspector. This is especially helpful if the seller hasn’t provided you with in-depth information on the system. Once there, your HVAC technician can tell you the age of the units, their actual condition, whether they’ve undergone regular maintenance, and what their expected lifespan could be. Equipped with the inspector’s report, you can then go back to the seller and their agent, and make negotiations.
Waiting until you’re too close to closing is risky, as it leaves you with less leverage for negotiations and less time to get any proposed work completed and re-inspected.
Your HVAC contractor will inspect the HVAC system, making sure it’s operating safely and determining its overall condition. The contractor will be looking for signs that indicate a lack of maintenance, such as a clogged air filter, damaged system fans and blowers, frayed belts, corroded burners or dirty condenser and evaporator coils, as well as major problems like cracked heat exchangers, refrigerant leaks or inoperable safety systems. If problems like these aren’t found until after closing, you have no recourse and will have to pay for the repairs yourself.
A trained HVAC technician can also look for issues that are harder to spot, like leaky ductwork, air quality issues, failing capacitors, incorrect sizing for the home, and overall energy efficiency of the units. They will be able to tell you what changes they suggest before a major malfunction occurs.
Your technician will check both indoor and outdoor units and examine all system components. They should be able to tell you what HVAC maintenance has been performed, and what may have been lacking. They will write up a report with all of their findings, which provides you with documented proof of any issues. Also in the report, the technician will make recommendations for any necessary repairs or replacements. They may also include suggestions on appropriate preventative maintenance for your system.
HVAC inspections are just as critical in newly constructed homes as they are in older homes. For new construction, the HVAC inspector will focus on proper installation and sizing, while also checking for any possible code violations or safety issues. They may also inspect the home’s insulation and wiring to make sure everything is up to par.
In existing homes, the focus is more on the wear and tear to the previous owner’s HVAC units and the future reliability of the equipment. The inspector will be looking for major issues as well as evidence of ongoing maintenance, in order to help you negotiate the best deal for your home and avoid breakdowns and costly repairs once you’ve moved in.
There isn’t always a difference between HVAC inspectors for new homes versus older homes. However, if the home you’re buying is new construction, you may want to request an HVAC technician with experience in new builds, coding and zoning regulations, and contracting standards. This will help ensure your builders haven’t cut any corners and your home will be safe and comfortable. If you’re still in the building process, they can also make recommendations for HVAC systems that are energy efficient and can save you money on your energy bills.
Wondering exactly what your HVAC inspector will be looking over? Read through this checklist to ensure your inspector is thorough, and you have the information you need to ask the right questions. Your inspector will:
Choosing an HVAC inspector shouldn’t be complicated, but there are a few considerations you need to make when exploring your options. Your inspector should be:
Even if you’re knowledgeable about HVAC systems, an HVAC inspection is not a DIY job. It’s best to leave it to a qualified professional so you can rest assured that your home will be safe and comfortable from the moment you take ownership.
Becoming a homeowner is an unforgettable experience, but whether this is your first home or your forever home, you need a trusted and reliable HVAC service to support you along the journey. We offer annual tune-ups and HVAC inspections as part of our ongoing Essential Homecare plans. Check them out or give us a call to learn more today!
