When entering a house, one of the most desirable feelings should be a feeling of being warm when it’s cold or cool when it is hot. But have you ever wondered what makes it possible? That’s right, it’s the HVAC system.
At the heart of any modern home’s climate control, the HVAC system (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) plays a crucial role in keeping your living space comfortable year-round. But how does a home inspector evaluate the HVAC system during an inspection? Let’s dive into it!
The Importance Of HVAC Systems In A Home
Here are a few facts that should help you understand the importance of HVAC systems in homes. The U.S. Energy Information Administration reported that 48% of the energy consumed in a typical American household is used for heating or cooling.
Over 87% of homes in the United States have some form of air conditioning, and over 90% of homes have some form of heating. This shows just how integral HVAC systems are to daily life, ensuring comfort and better air quality in homes across the country.
But what happens if this essential process fails or is not delivering as it should be? If you’re buying or selling a home, you want to make sure the HVAC system is in top shape. This is why it is important to hire a professional home inspector to do this job.
The Role Of A Home Inspector In Evaluating An HVAC System
Real estate home inspectors guarantee that the home you intend to purchase or sell is safe and in good condition. The HVAC system inspection is one of the most important components of home inspection. A malfunctioning HVAC system can lead to costly repairs, uncomfortable living conditions, or even health issues if not addressed.
How Does A Home Inspector Evaluate An HVAC System?
Let’s now break down the process of home inspectors evaluating HVAC systems. It will help you to understand how the entire exercise is carried out and if you have hired a home inspector this is pretty much what you can expect from the home inspector.
External Assessment And Evaluation Of HVAC Parts
The first thing a home inspector does is perform a thorough visual inspection of the HVAC system. It includes the most important apparatus of the system including the furnace, air conditioner, duct system and the thermostat. First of all, the inspector will focus on the signs of damages, wear and tear or bad maintenance. They will also check if their location complies with any legal requirements related to ventilation and clearance of space containing an electrical system.
Here are some key things the inspector looks for:
Furnace
Is it clean? Any signs of cracking or rusting on the surface of the structure? A cracked heat exchanger can be a problem because it might release carbon monoxide in the house.
Air Conditioning Unit
Is there any dirt, leaves, or other debris that could jam the air conditioning unit and prevent the air from blowing? The coils should be clean, and the refrigerant lines should be insulated.
Thermostat
Is it functioning properly? Does it react to temperatures that are hot and cold? They will also look at the temperature set on the thermostat for heating and cooling.
Testing The HVAC System
Following that, the home inspector will check if the system is working correctly or not. This involves turning on both the heating and cooling modes to see if the HVAC system responds correctly.
They may also determine whether the system works at its optimum capacity or not. If the HVAC system takes too long to heat or cool the home, it could be a sign of an issue, such as an air filter needing to be replaced or the refrigerant levels being low.
Inspecting The Ducts And The Vents
Ductwork is an essential part of your HVAC system because it distributes warm or cool air throughout the home. During an HVAC system inspection, an inspector will check the ducts for any visible damage, leaks, or blockages. Your comfort may be affected by problems such as leaky ducts, which result in the loss of heated or cooled air, increased utility costs, and ineffective climate regulation.
Specifically, the inspectors will clear the vents to ensure that they are free from obstructions or are not clogged. Blocked vents can reduce airflow, making the HVAC system work harder to regulate the temperature and possibly leading to unnecessary wear and tear.
Evaluating Air Quality
A key factor of the HVAC system is its ability to maintain healthy indoor air quality. An inspector can tell if you need to change the filter for cleaner air since they will check its condition. Clogged filters result in deterioration of air quality and reduced system effectiveness.
Additionally, the inspector may look for signs of water damage or mold; especially on the duct and the air handler. The presence of moisture is the perfect breeding ground for mold formation. Once it occurs, it affects the HVAC system’s performance and also peoples’ health.
Age And Lifespan Of The HVAC System
One important factor in evaluating an HVAC system is its age. Most HVAC systems have a lifespan of about 10 to 15 years. An older system could have problems related to performance, high repair costs or a total breakdown. If the time for the existing system replacement has come, the inspector might recommend it.
Assessing Energy Efficiency
An HVAC system’s energy efficiency is key to keeping energy bills in check. For example, if there are high electricity or water bills or if the system continually turns on and off, they point to an inefficient system. Furthermore, the inspectors might check if it has an ENERGY STAR rating. The presence of the rating would imply that the system has passed the high standards mandated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Checking For Recalls And Manufacturer Issues
Some HVAC models can have manufacturing flaws or have safety issues. The inspectors can look at this from the online database and guarantee that you receive a good system, not one that is defective in one way or the other.
Conclusion: Get A Professional HVAC System Inspection Today
The HVAC system is an essential part of any home, and a thorough evaluation during a home inspection is key to ensuring comfort and safety. A qualified home inspector can give you peace of mind by checking that your HVAC system is functioning correctly and efficiently, potentially saving you from future repair costs and energy waste.
When you are involved in buying or selling a home, it is recommended that you get a professional home inspector to carry out a detailed home inspection. At Total House Inspection, we specialize in HVAC system inspections, along with other home inspection issues, and can provide you with a detailed report about the condition of your home’s heating and cooling system.
Don’t wait until it’s too late, schedule your HVAC system inspection with Total House Inspection today, and ensure your home stays comfortable and efficient all year round.
