What Gets Checked During A Residential HVAC Inspection?

Looking to buy an older house? One of the key items to include in your due diligence checklist is getting a complete HVAC inspection. Due to years of use, the HVAC systems in older homes can have problems that may require major repairs or a complete replacement of the existing HVAC equipment.

Getting an HVAC inspection allows you to assess the general health of the home's HVAC components, including heating and air conditioning. This way, you can know whether you're investing in a home with a reliable HVAC system or you'll require an HVAC changeover. This can significantly reduce or add to the cost of your home purchase.

Below are 3 key components that are checked during home HVAC inspections.

HVAC Ductwork 

Many older homes across the United States rely on central heating and cooling systems to provide thermal comfort to building occupants. Central HVAC systems supply conditioned air via a network of air ducts running in the attic, behind the walls, in crawl spaces, and other areas of the home.  

Over time, HVAC ductwork experiences wear and tear from normal use. This may lead to air duct leakage, which not only hurts the output of your HVAC system but also adds to your home's energy expenses. Air duct leaks can also occur due to rodent infestations. Rodents that chew on your HVAC ductwork can also leave behind contaminants that lead to poor indoor air quality.

During an HVAC inspection, the technician will check your air ducts to ensure they're free of leaks and properly insulated to maximize energy savings.

HVAC Thermostat

The thermostat is the HVAC component that regulates your indoor temperatures. In summer, it is usually set lower than the outdoor temperature to provide fast relief from the outdoor heating that makes you feel hot and uncomfortable. During the winter months, it is set higher than the outdoor temperature to keep your home warm and cozy.

When an HVAC thermostat is working properly, it allows the HVAC system to quickly reach the desired indoor temperature. A system that struggles to reach the ideal temperature of the house may have a faulty thermostat. 

HVAC Wiring

When rodents infest your HVAC system, they can also damage the wires that supply power to your heating and cooling systems. With electrical wiring running in hidden areas of the house, the damaged wires can be difficult to trace on your own.

An HVAC specialist can read the HVAC electrical wiring diagrams for an older house and help you evaluate its condition. This way, you can know if the home requires potentially expensive HVAC rewiring, which can add to the cost of your home purchase.

Doing an HVAC inspection is a key due diligence activity when buying an older house. The information that will be contained in your HVAC inspection report will be useful for making an informed decision about your prospective home purchase. That said, never hesitate to contact a trustworthy HVAC contractor near you if you need HVAC inspection services.

To get started, contact a local HVAC company.