Buying a New Home: Have an HVAC Inspection by a Professional

Buying a home, whether pre-owned or new, is a daunting task. You want to make sure everything is as near perfect as you can afford -- and that includes the HVAC system. That's why, beyond the regular home inspection, you need a separate HVAC inspection before you commit to a down payment.

Why a Home Inspection Isn't Enough

Generally a home inspector goes through a house and performs a visual inspection of all main systems. Afterward, the inspector will give the clients a written home inspector contract and inspection report. This report will include inspection of the heating, cooling and venting systems, as well as energy sources and distribution equipment. The inspector will also report on insulation and vents.The only action the inspector will perform on the HVAC is to turn the systems on and off to make sure they work. This won't tell you some important things you need to know, such as:

• Maintenance records for the system, including major repairs, and how old it is

• If the filter has been regularly changed

• How efficient the system is, as in average cost of annual utility bills

• If the system is sized correctly for the home

These are things the homeowner needs to know before investing in the house. You probably don't want to invest in a home where the HVAC system hasn't been kept up, unless you make provisions for repair or replacement by adjusting the purchase price.If you're looking at a new home, the inspector should check out the equipment and installation, including ductwork and ventilation, and should be able to assess in general how efficient the system is likely to be.

What You Should Do

Hire an experienced HVAC inspector to look at the system and be thorough in finding answers to the questions above. Remember, if the seller hasn't kept up the system in a pre-owned house with routine preventative maintenance, hidden flaws may be lurking that could cost thousands of dollars.To learn more about an HVAC inspection, contact Air Assurance. We've served Broken Arrow since 1985.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about HVAC inspections and other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273. Credit/Copyright Attribution: “paulbr75/Pixabay”

5 HVAC Considerations When Buying a House

When you’re buying a house, it’s only human nature to pay attention to the look and feel of the home. It’s just as important to explore the HVAC system as well, since it’s likely the most expensive appliance in the home and the one that keeps you comfortable year-round.

1. Find out its age. Like all mechanical systems, HVAC systems age over time. As you inspect the home, write down the brand and model number if the homeowner can’t tell you its age. Any system that’s over 12 years old may need replacing sooner rather than later.

2. What kind is it? In our region, homes might have a gas-pack HVAC system, which means it has a gas furnace and an air conditioner. Heat pumps are becoming more common and provide both cooling and heating by means of heat transfer. It’s important to know which type the home has.

3. What’s the configuration and condition of the ductwork? The ductwork for the home may reveal some efficiency aspects of the home. Ductwork configurations that are simple and direct provide better efficiency, as do insulated ducts.Duct leakage is a common energy waster that can be fixed. Look for areas of dust around the registers to spot potential leakage. Have the HVAC system and its ductwork inspected by a licensed HVAC contractor if you’re serious about buying a house in particular.

4. What’s its efficiency? The outdoor condenser’s cabinet may state the SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) of the cooling system, and the air handler indoors should have an AFUE (annual fuel utilization efficiency) rating inside the cabinet if the home has a gas furnace. Higher ratings for both indicate better efficiency.

5. Has it been adequately serviced? Ask the homeowners for their receipts and records of professional HVAC maintenance and repairs. Routine maintenance increases the longevity and efficiency of all HVAC systems.

Paying attention to the HVAC system when buying a house will help you avoid surprises as you go forward, since this system is a crucial home appliance. To learn more, contact Air Assurance, providing HVAC services for Broken Arrow homeowners.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about TOPIC and other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273. Credit/Copyright Attribution: “geralt/Pixabay”