3 HVAC Issues to Look Out for When Buying a Home
Buying a home is often an exciting and stressful time. You are hoping to find a home that will be just the right fit for you with the least amount of headache and heartache. Responsible house hunters understand the importance of having thorough inspections done on the property they are considering. Inspections are a great way to make sure you are not buying a fixer upper dressed in nice clothing. When you get that report back there are a few important HVAC issues that should give you pause.
Old/Outdated HVAC System
The current 35-year-old unit might have worked like a charm for the old homeowner, but you can bet that you will be having to replace it within the next 5 years. The quickly approaching replacement will not be the only thing hanging over your head. There is also the strong possibility that you will be living with high electric bills caused by running an inefficient system. Systems that are old and outdated, like floor heaters, will not only cost you the extra money to replace, but also give you the hassle of trying to find someone to maintain them.
Asbestos Ducting
Asbestos ducting can be found in some homes built before the 1970’s. It is a health hazard because the crystal fibers in asbestos can be dispersed into the air via your HVAC system and inhaled by the you and your loved one. This is why it’s use as a building material in homes were banned in the 1970’s. Most homes have already had any present asbestos removed over time, but some older homes have not. The process to have it removed is not very strenuous or stressful but is an extra expense that should be considered.
Unpermitted Work
If your inspector finds HVAC upgrades (or any other upgrades around the home) that were not done up to code, it is highly likely that a city permit was not pulled for the work. The majority of home upgrades require a city permit to be pulled, by law in the state of California. Buying a home with unpermitted work may not seem like a big deal at first but it puts you at risk for receiving penalties down the line that you are not responsible for. Not to mention, the work may not have been performed properly making it unsafe for yourself and your loved ones.
Contact LA Construction, Heating and Air
Fortunately, knowledge is power. If you really want the home but it has any of these HVAC issues you can use them as leveraging power for negotiating the price. This is why having an HVAC inspection performed before you buy a home is so important. If you are looking for a reliable and knowledgeable HVAC contractor to perform your HVAC inspection give us a call today at (818) 341-3406 or contact us online!
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