In Florida, one of the biggest concerns you will likely face when buying a home is the air conditioning. A properly functioning HVAC system is crucial during the hot summer months, so when you are buying a house you will want to make sure it is in tip-top shape. Your Tampa home inspection will look very closely at your heating and cooling system to ensure that it has been properly cared for and that it is fully functional, so you can rest easy in the cool indoors of your new home.
When your Tampa home inspection looks at your HVAC system, it first looks to see how old it is. Air conditioning units can last up to twenty years, but not without proper, routine maintenance. If the previous owners never cleaned the coils or changed their air filters, this can significantly reduce the life of the unit. Once your Tampa home inspection determines the age of the unit, it will check the coils and compressor to check that they are not damaged or dirty, which can slow the unit down and cause it to run harder and for longer.
Inside the home, the inspector is going to check for the HVAC’s return handler to see where it is located and if it has been cleaned and well maintained. Ductwork will also be checked, where visible, to ensure there are no holes or cracks; animals can find there way in through air ducts, wreaking havoc on your system, leaving odors, and causing holes. Holes or cracks will cause air to escape, meaning your unit will work harder to heat or cool your home as the air seeps outside rather than inside. All of these conditions will be noted on your inspection report, and depending on their severity, should be looked at by a trained HVAC specialist.
A home inspection covers a lot of issues your home may face, but to many, the HVAC is the most important. Keeping your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter requires a strong, regularly maintained HVAC unit. If you have concerns that yours may not be up to snuff, call our inspection team at Radiant Property Inspection to book an appointment.
