October 28, 2024
If you’re considering buying a new home in the South Bay, Sacramento, or East Bay areas, it’s a good idea to hire a professional home inspector before making an offer. These trained experts look carefully at the most important facets of your potential new home, such as the condition of the roof and a general inspection of your home systems. But will they also perform a thorough inspection of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system separately?
Service Champions recommends a separate inspection of your system for peace of mind. Read on to learn the top three reasons for a separate HVAC inspection before you make an offer on a new home.
According to Energy Star, approximately half of every American household’s annual energy bill goes toward heating and cooling their home. A thorough HVAC inspection will uncover potential issues that might impact the energy efficiency of your new home.
It’s always best to hire professionals like the certified technicians at Service Champions to perform a thorough HVAC inspection if you’re in the market for a new home. Getting a separate inspection is the most effective way to reveal hidden HVAC problems and helps you become a more well-informed buyer during your house-hunting journey.
Some new homebuyers assume that the home inspector will test the property’s heating and air conditioning equipment. However, most general home inspectors simply turn on the furnace and air conditioner to confirm they’re working. They may also estimate the age of the system for the inspection report.
However, even if the home’s HVAC system appears to function just fine, there could be underlying problems the home inspector can’t see at surface level, like a cracked heat exchanger. HVAC is one of the most frequently overlooked issues when it comes to home inspections and buying a new home. The average home inspector simply doesn’t have the tools, experience, or knowledge to perform a thorough HVAC inspection. These systems, just like cars, can continue to work even if major underlying problems are occurring at the same time. That’s why it’s highly recommended that you get the HVAC system checked out by a specialist.
Many home inspectors are unable to provide homebuyers with a thorough HVAC report. Instead they include several disclaimers about the inspector’s lack of HVAC training. Home inspectors in some states (including California) have no official guidelines or regulations regarding specific licensing requirements. Issues with your HVAC system can result in costly repairs, and related energy costs account for nearly half of your home’s total energy bill. It’s crucial to hire a certified specialist to inspect the system.
Buying a home is one of the biggest investments you’ll make in your lifetime. Homeownership comes with a long list of expenses, and the heating and AC are some of the most expensive. For example, a brand-new furnace and air conditioner can cost you thousands of dollars, while other standard home appliances like your oven and refrigerator cost much less. That’s why it’s important to get the HVAC system looked at in advance so you know what you might have to pay for later after signing on the dotted line.
Getting an HVAC inspection as part of the home-buying process takes just a short time (usually between one to three hours) and a little bit of money. Afterward, you’ll have a much clearer picture of what to expect if you decide to purchase your dream home. Not only will a complete report from a professional HVAC company tell you the condition of the home’s heating and cooling system, but you’ll know if any replacements or repairs are recommended. The technician may also recommend suggestions for energy-efficient upgrades to help you save long-term.
Without a separate home inspection of the HVAC, you’ll be responsible for paying for expensive repairs after you buy the home if the system isn’t operating properly. However, if the inspection reveals problems before you purchase the house, you’ll have more negotiating power. You can ask the current homeowner to pay for the repairs or lower the asking price to compensate for what you’ll pay out of pocket to fix the system.
Here are just a few of the benefits emphasizing the importance of a separate HVAC inspection.
A separate HVAC inspection can determine key issues, such as whether the system uses R22 refrigerant, which is now banned by the EPA.
Other common hidden HVAC issues the inspector may find include:
Dirty evaporator and/or condenser coils
Clogged drain lines
Poor or lacking maintenance schedule
Blower motor issues
Leaking ductwork
These are just some of the problems the experienced HVAC technicians from Service Champions might find while inspecting the system for your new home.
A separate inspection of the HVAC system can save you money on future repairs. In most cases, the current homeowner pays for the repairs (or a tune-up if needed) now, so you’re moving into a home with optimal heating and cooling. A smoothly running system is also more efficient, saving you money on your monthly energy bills.
There’s an upside to any HVAC system issues discovered before you make an offer on a home. If the system needs expensive repairs, your real estate agent can ask the seller’s agent if they’re willing to pay for the repairs before you sign anything. It’s also possible the seller will lower the home’s asking price, putting more money in your pocket so you can pay for the repairs or invest in a newer system.
The team at Service Champions are experts at providing customers with detailed HVAC inspections. We also offer financing options if you want a brand-new system installed. If you’re planning to buy a new home, contact us today so we can schedule your separate HVAC inspection as well as professional plumbing and electrical inspections before you move in.
A certified HVAC technician checks all components and the condition of the furnace, air conditioner, ductwork, vents, and other major elements. They’ll run a thermostat test, check refrigerant levels, and confirm everything is working. The technician also looks for signs of damage, such as excessive wear and tear or leaks, and writes a detailed report with their findings, including recommendations for repair or replacement.
If your HVAC inspection report reveals significant problems, talk to your real estate agent. In some cases, the cost to repair or replace the system might be too high in comparison to the seller’s asking price. Remember, you can usually negotiate with the seller to have them pay for those repairs or see if they’ll reduce the price of the home when you make an offer, or you can walk away and look for a different home.