Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you will ever make. In the Temecula Valley, you’ve found your dream home, and you’ve hired a general home inspector to check the foundation, the roof, and the electrical systems. But did your general inspection include a deep, thorough evaluation of the home’s Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system? The HVAC system is one of the most complex and expensive components of any home. A standard home inspection often only involves turning the system on and off to see if it works. A specialized, professional HVAC inspection can uncover hidden problems and potential failures that could end up costing you thousands of dollars in unexpected repairs or replacements after you move in.
What a General Home Inspection Might Miss
A general home inspector is a jack-of-all-trades, responsible for visually inspecting hundreds of items throughout a home. They are not HVAC specialists. Their inspection of the heating and cooling system is typically limited to:
- Turning the thermostat on in heat and cool mode to see if air comes out of the vents.
- Visually inspecting the outdoor unit for obvious damage.
- Noting the age of the system if it’s visible on the data plate.
They do not have the tools or the specialized training to perform the in-depth tests needed to truly assess the health and safety of the system. They won’t be checking refrigerant levels, inspecting the integrity of the furnace’s heat exchanger, or measuring the performance of the compressor and motors.
What a Professional HVAC Inspection Includes
A dedicated HVAC inspection performed by a certified technician is a much more comprehensive process. It’s like taking a car to a master mechanic instead of just kicking the tires. A professional inspection includes:
- A Thorough Safety Check: For a furnace, the technician will perform a crucial inspection of the heat exchanger. A cracked heat exchanger can leak deadly carbon monoxide into the home and is a condition that requires the immediate replacement of the furnace.
- Performance and Efficiency Testing: The technician will check the refrigerant levels of the air conditioner. A low level indicates an expensive leak that needs to be repaired. They will test the amperage draw and performance of the compressor, fan motors, and capacitors to see if they are running within the manufacturer’s specifications.
- Ductwork Inspection: They will visually inspect the accessible ductwork for leaks, tears, or improper connections, which can lead to significant energy loss and poor air quality.
- Assessment of Remaining Lifespan: Based on the age, brand, condition of the components, and overall performance, an experienced technician can give you a much more accurate estimate of the system’s remaining functional lifespan. This can help you budget for a future replacement.
As leading home inspection associations like the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) often state, they recommend a more thorough inspection by a qualified specialist for complex systems like HVAC, especially in older homes.
Protecting Your Investment
An HVAC system is a major expense. Replacing a full system can cost $10,000, $15,000, or even more. The small cost of a professional HVAC inspection during your due diligence period can uncover a problem that allows you to negotiate with the seller for repairs or a price reduction, potentially saving you a massive, unexpected expense right after you move in.
Your Experts for Home HVAC Inspections in Temecula Valley
Don’t get stuck with a failing HVAC system in your new home. A professional inspection provides the detailed information you need to make a confident and informed purchasing decision. For home buyers in the Temecula Valley, the certified technicians at Third Generation HVAC provide comprehensive home HVAC inspections. Contact us today to schedule an inspection before you buy.