How To Inspect An AC System Before You Purchase A Home
Purchasing a new home is obviously a big investment and potential home buyers should be confident that the properties they are considering are in good working condition. One of the most important aspects of homes in the Tampa, FL area is the air conditioner system, as it plays a huge role in your comfort, energy costs, potential maintenance costs as well as value of your new home. Before you purchase a home with the intention that you will not be replacing all of the appliances (or just the AC), consider how important their proper function is to the sale of the home. Although you may not have the tools or training to do a thorough inspection, there is a simplified way to inspect your homes air conditioning system that every potential buyer can follow. Of course, hiring a certified home inspector will also help determine the condition of the unit.
What Is the Age of the Air Conditioner?
One of the most important things to check regarding the homes AC unit is the age. This is important because it can factor into the warranty, the condition, as well as the energy efficiency, or SEER rating of the unit. SEER or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio measures air conditioning and heat pump cooling efficiency.
For machines that were built before January 2006, the minimum allowable SEER rating for a new central AC unit was 10. For machines built after this date the minimum allowable rating is 13. To be sure you get the most efficient machine, look for a machine with a high SEER rating and that was built post-2006 or more recently. A machine with an existing warranty can also be an important consideration for buyers wishing to flip homes for resale value.
Is the AC Cooling Adequately in All Rooms?
While walking through your potential new house, get a feeling for the temperature in each room. Are they equally cooled? Do you notice any significant disparities? If so, the air conditioner may be problematic and you may need to install a new AC in the home to remain comfortable.
Check for Condensation
While walking through the home examine the ducts to see if there is any condensation around them. Also check the indoor unit to see if it is leaking. Condensation can harbor mold which can affect the air quality in your home as well as contribute to illness. Signs of moisture are one of the first signs that your new home will require new AC installation or repair.
Guest Post by A&R Heating & Air
This post brought to you courtesy of A&R, an AC installation (www.actrends.com ), repair, maintenance and sales provider in the Central Florida area. We have been servicing residential and commercial clients for over 25 years with a commitment to excellence and dependability. For more information visit http://www.actrends.com.
