Buying a home is a complicated process from the legal process to the mechanical aspects of the home. While you can turn over some of the details to the experts involved in the process, it’s a good idea to have an independent Heating and Cooling inspection from a contractor you trust.
Most lenders require a licensed home inspector go through the structure to evaluate the building’s integrity, along with its mechanical systems. The inspector will look over the Heating and Cooling system for obvious problems, but may accidentally overlook important indicators that affect its condition.
The most common claim homeowners make after moving into a home they’ve recently purchased covers the HVAC system. Of all the appliances in a home, the heating and cooling system is the most complicated and expensive to fix or replace.
By insisting that you have a licensed HVAC technician go through the home as part of your due diligence process, you can avoid these expensive and often uncomfortable breakdowns.
In addition to scheduling an HVAC inspection from a professional contractor, ask the seller to provide:
- The brand and model number of the system, along with its age. You can do some online research to find out what kind of equipment it is and its energy efficiency ratings. Higher ratings are always better for air conditioners, furnaces and heat pumps.
- Maintenance records. Under ideal conditions, the homeowner should have had the HVAC system maintained once or twice a year. Ask to see the receipts or paperwork the contractor provided.
- Energy bills. While there’s no way to break out the electric and gas charges attributable solely to the HVAC system, it’s helpful to look at the seasonal swings in their energy costs. Most of the time, the HVAC system is responsible for 40 to 50 percent of the energy use during the winter and summer.
As the most important and expensive appliance in a home, requesting an HVAC inspection and understanding its result will help you make a decision or negotiate a price for the home. To learn more, contact Roth Home & Cooling,Plumbing & Electrical providing trusted Heating and Cooling services for Lake Oswego homeowners.
