What to Look for in an AC When Buying a Home
Purchasing a home is one of the most exciting and biggest purchases you’ll make in your life. However, there’s one important aspect to consider before making your decision to purchase — the state of the HVAC system. HVAC systems are crucial in maintaining a comfortable and healthy living environment. That’s why it’s essential to have a professional inspection of the system before making a final decision on your purchase.
In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at what a Chas Roberts HVAC inspection may include and what to look out for in an AC when buying a new home.
What is a Chas Roberts HVAC Inspection?
A Chas Roberts HVAC inspection is a comprehensive inspection of your home’s heating and cooling system. It’s designed to identify any issues that may affect the performance and safety of your system.
During your appointment, one of our highly trained HVAC technicians will thoroughly assess your unit’s different parts, including the air conditioning unit, furnace, ductwork, and thermostat. In addition to these, the technician will also examine the following items to guarantee that your unit operates efficiently:
Air Filters: A technician will check the air filters to ensure they are clean and functioning correctly. Dirty air filters can restrict airflow and cause the system to work harder, leading to higher energy bills and potential system breakdowns.
Thermostat: The technician will check the thermostat to ensure it functions correctly and is calibrated to the correct temperature. When a thermostat is malfunctioning, it can result in the HVAC system operating inefficiently, leading to uneven temperatures throughout your home. It’s essential to verify the thermostat’s functionality to achieve optimal comfort and energy efficiency in your living space.
Ductwork: During the inspection, the technician will examine the ductwork for any signs of leaks or damages that could be impacting the system’s efficiency. When there are leaks in the ductwork, the air may escape, resulting in wasted energy and increased utility bills. Hence, identifying and addressing such issues is crucial for optimal HVAC performance and cost savings.
Refrigerant Levels: The technician will also check the refrigerant levels in the air conditioning unit to ensure they are at the appropriate level. Low refrigerant levels often indicate a possible system leak, resulting in inadequate cooling and even damage to the AC unit. Therefore, it’s important to maintain proper refrigerant levels to ensure optimal performance and prevent potential costly repairs down the line.
Electrical Connections: As part of the inspection, the technician will verify that the electrical connections within the HVAC system are secure and operating properly. When electrical connections are loose, they can result in malfunctions that can pose safety hazards-making it crucial to ensure that all electrical components within your system are adequately connected to ensure safe and efficient HVAC operation.
What to Look Out for in an AC When Buying a New Home
Apart from scheduling a professional HVAC inspection, there are some key things you should keep in mind when examining the AC unit of a house you plan to buy. Here are some useful tips:
- Age of the System
One of the first things to consider is the age of the AC system. If the system is over 10 years old, it may be approaching the end of its useful life and may need to be replaced soon. Even if the system is working well, it’s a good idea to plan for replacement in the near future.
- Efficiency Rating
Another key factor to consider is the efficiency rating of the AC system. Look for a system with a high SEER rating, which indicates that the system is energy efficient and will help keep your energy bills low. A system with a SEER rating of 16 or higher is considered highly efficient.
- Signs of Wear and Tear
When inspecting the AC system, look for any signs of wear and tear. This may include rust or corrosion on the outdoor unit, cracks or leaks in the ductwork, or damage to the fins on the evaporator coil. These issues can indicate that the system may not function correctly and may need repairs or replacement.
- Proper Sizing
It’s also important to ensure that the AC system is properly sized for the home. An oversized system will cycle on and off too frequently, leading to increased wear and tear on the system and higher energy bills. An undersized system, on the other hand, will struggle to keep the home cool and may constantly run, leading to higher energy bills.
- Maintenance History
Ask the seller for the maintenance history of the AC system. Regular maintenance is important for keeping the system functioning properly and can help extend its life. If the system has not been well-maintained, it may be more prone to breakdowns or may need to be replaced sooner than expected.
- Airflow
Finally, check the airflow from the AC system. Ensure that the air coming out of the vents is cool and strong. Poor airflow can indicate that the system is not functioning properly or that there may be an obstruction in the ducts or vents. Additionally, inadequate airflow can lead to decreased efficiency and higher energy bills, so it’s important to address any issues as soon as possible. If you notice weak airflow, it’s best to contact the experts at Chas Roberts to inspect and repair your system.
Conclusion
An HVAC inspection can involve several crucial checks that help to ensure optimal performance and efficiency of the system. These checks may include examining the ductwork for leaks, checking refrigerant levels, verifying thermostat functionality, and more.
It’s essential to prioritize a thorough inspection, especially when purchasing a new home, to identify any issues that may be present and require attention. By being aware of what to look out for during an HVAC inspection, you can make informed decisions about your system’s maintenance and repair needs and ensure that your living space is comfortable and energy efficient.
Family-owned and operated Chas Roberts is the largest HVAC company in Arizona and has been in business for over 75 years. Contact us for affordable, reliable service.
