First Time Homebuyers, Don’t Skip the HVAC Inspection!

Buying a house is a stressful experience and can be especially overwhelming for first-time homeowners. Having never gone through the experience, many people are unaware of the types of questions they should be asking or what they should be looking for in a home. As spring approaches and more people start looking at buying their first house, we want to point out one important new-home aspect you should never ignore: a comprehensive HVAC inspection.

Did You Know…
Anyone can become a home inspector in Ontario. Currently, there is no license, experience or education required to perform home inspections for buying and selling homes. There‘s also no standardization in regard to how thorough inspections should be and what areas of the house should be included. We’ve heard stories about home inspectors not examining the HVAC system at all or declaring it functional and problem-free after only checking that it turns on.

To make sure you won’t end up having to replace the home comfort system as soon as you move in, it’s imperative to have a comprehensive HVAC inspection. Make sure you can answer the following questions before committing to a home.

Is the Right System Installed in the Home?
It’s important to know how the HVAC system works and what kind of fuel it uses. This can impact your comfort and monthly energy bills. In addition, you need to ensure that the size of the HVAC equipment is correct for the square footage of the home and that everything was installed correctly. Improper HVAC installation can be dangerous and will likely cause furnaces or air conditioners to malfunction and require heating and cooling replacement earlier than expected.

When Can I Expect to Replace the Heating and Cooling System?
Most heating and cooling systems last approximately 15 years. With a comprehensive HVAC inspection, a professional should be able to give you an idea of when replacement will be needed. They will take into consideration the system’s installation date, unit manufacturer and maintenance and upkeep to provide you with an estimate.

How Much Time is left on Warranties? Are They Transferrable?
Having a valid warranty could save you a lot of money on future repair bills. Make sure that any warranties that are still applicable are transferrable to a new owner and ensure you know the proper procedure to maintain all coverage. Remember that annual inspections by an HVAC professional are often a requirement of maintaining warranties, so ask for a copy of all inspection reports when you purchase a new home.

If your home inspector is unable to answer the above questions, you’ll want to consider having a separate HVAC inspection performed. Don’t take a chance on a home without knowing the state of its heating and cooling systems!

Contact us today if you have questions about HVAC inspections or the home comfort system in your potential dream home.

Fahrhall Home Comfort Specialists have been serving the Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent regions since 1967.