One of the most important aspects of a new home purchase process is inspection. This is where you engage the services of a qualified inspector to check the property for any potential problems. The inspector will provide you with a report detailing their findings.
When it comes to inspection, the HVAC system is one of the most important aspects of the home. It is responsible for providing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. It would be best if you made sure that the system is in good working condition before you purchase the home.
HVAC Repairs and Replacement Can Be Expensive
A home purchase is one of the most expensive investments you’ll make in your lifetime. Like most people, you will probably depend on a mortgage to finance the purchase. Financing your home means making monthly payments for the next several decades.
As such, you want every dollar of your investment to go into the actual home itself and not into repairs or replacements of major systems. Inspecting the HVAC system can reveal any potential problems that need to be addressed. This will allow you to negotiate with the seller for a lower purchase price or have the repairs made before you move in.
The cost of HVAC replacement can range from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands. The last thing you want is to be stuck with an expensive repair bill soon after you move into your new home.
You Want to Save Money on Energy Bills
An inefficient HVAC system can end up costing you a lot of money in energy bills. The system will have to work harder to maintain the desired temperature in your home. This effort results in higher energy consumption and, ultimately, higher utility bills.
A professional inspection of your HVAC system can reveal any areas that need to be addressed to improve its efficiency. It may involve replacing old or worn-out parts, adding insulation, or sealing ductwork leaks. By making these improvements, you can enjoy lower energy bills each month.
Over time, the savings on your energy bills will more than offset the cost of the inspection and any necessary repairs or replacements.
HVAC Affects Your Health
The quality of the air in your home has a direct impact on your health. If the HVAC system is not properly maintained, it can circulate dust, pollen, and other allergens throughout the house, triggering allergies and respiratory problems.
In some cases, the problem may be more serious. For example, if there is mold growth in the ductwork, it can cause a serious health condition known as pulmonary hemorrhage. This is a rare but potentially fatal condition affecting infants and young children.
Inspecting your HVAC system can reveal any potential indoor air quality problems that need to be addressed. This will help ensure that your family enjoys good health in your new home.
Basic Home Inspection Excludes HVAC
A basic home inspection will not include a detailed examination of the HVAC system. The inspector may take a quick look at the furnace and air conditioner but will not thoroughly inspect the ductwork or other parts of the system.
Home inspectors also lack the knowledge and tools to assess an HVAC system’s condition properly. They might assume there are no major underlying problems if the furnace and air conditioner appear in good working order.
If you want a thorough inspection of your HVAC system, you need to engage the services of a qualified HVAC contractor. This type of inspection is sometimes called a whole-house energy audit. The contractor will examine every aspect of your HVAC system and provide a report detailing their findings.
You can then use this information to make informed decisions about repairs or replacements. If you’re in Richmond, VA, Davis & Green offers repair and replacement services for all types of HVAC systems.
Extended Warranties May Require HVAC Inspection
If you’re planning to purchase an extended warranty for your HVAC system, the company may require that you have the system inspected by a qualified contractor. This is to ensure that the system is in good working order and that there are no underlying problems that could void the warranty.
An inspection can also help you determine if an extended warranty is necessary. In some cases, making repairs or replacements on your own may be more cost effective than purchasing an extended warranty.
Common HVAC Problems Found During Inspection
While every HVAC system is different, some common problems are often found during inspections.
Dirty or Clogged Filters
Filters in HVAC systems play an important role in ensuring the air quality inside a home or building. They work by trapping particles of dust, pollen, and other allergens, which can cause respiratory problems for some people.
However, filters can become clogged over time, reducing their effectiveness and causing several problems. A dirty or clogged filter can cause the HVAC system to work harder than it needs to, leading to higher energy bills. In addition, it can cause the air inside the home or building to become stagnant, as the HVAC system will not be able to circulate fresh air effectively.
It would be best to replace filters regularly to ensure they are effective at trapping allergens and reducing energy costs.
Leaks in the Ductwork
Homeowners who have central heating and cooling take their ductwork for granted. However, leaks in the ductwork can cause some problems, from reducing the efficiency of your HVAC system to increasing your energy bills.
Leaks can occur at any point in the ductwork, but they are most common at joints and connections. Over time, these leaks can become larger and more prevalent, eventually leading to significant airflow issues.
On top of reducing efficiency, leaks can also allow unfiltered air into your home, leading to increased dust levels and poor indoor air quality.
Refrigerant Leaks
Refrigerant is a vital component of any air conditioning system. It helps to cool the air as it circulates through the system, and it also helps to remove moisture from the air.
A leak in the refrigerant line can cause the air conditioner to lose its ability to cool the air effectively. It can also increase energy bills as the system will have to work harder to achieve the desired temperature.
Refrigerant leaks are often caused by damage to the refrigerant line or a problem with the compressor. Refrigerant leaks should be repaired as soon as possible by a qualified HVAC contractor.
Hire the Pros
Inspecting your HVAC system after a new home purchase is important in ensuring that it is in good working order. It can also help you identify potential problems so they can be repaired or replaced before they cause significant damage.
If you need HVAC services, Davis & Green is here to help. We’ve been serving Richmond for over 37 years, and our team of highly skilled and experienced technicians is ready to assist you. We also offer a variety of other services, including plumbing and electrical.
Contact Davis & Green today to schedule a consultation.
