HVAC Inspections for Real Estate
HVAC Inspections Deliver Smoother Closes & Peace of Mind
Homeowners, homebuyers, and real estate professionals trust Upstate Home Maintenance for thorough HVAC inspections that help you seal the deal. Our inspections go far deeper into your HVAC system than generic home inspections, spotting HVAC issues before they cause problems buying and selling Upstate homes.
What Is an HVAC Inspection for Real Estate?
Real estate HVAC inspections are thorough examinations of a home’s HVAC system performed by licensed HVAC contractors as part of the home buying process. In an HVAC inspection, a licensed contractor examines all components of a home’s HVAC system, including the heat pump/condenser, ductwork, furnace, drain lines, refrigerant, and more.
HVAC inspectors then report on what they find, creating a detailed document for the home buyer and/or real estate agent. Many HVAC inspectors also produce a quote alongside the report, listing estimated costs for any needed or recommended repairs.
Why an HVAC Inspection is Essential When Buying a Home
Nearly every homebuyer has a general home inspection before they close. Those are valuable to get an all-around picture of what shape a property is in, but home inspectors give only a cursory look at a home’s HVAC system. They do not check refrigerant levels or look at component health.
In essence, your general home inspection confirms whether the system is blowing hot or cold air (depending on the season), and little more. It can’t report on furnace health during summer or AC health during winter, either.
An HVAC inspection is different: because HVAC inspectors are licensed to work with HVAC systems (including with refrigerants), we can inspect every component and both heat and cooling, no matter the temperature outside.
Our licensed inspectors can identify problems lurking just under the surface — problems that sellers should address before you buy.
Real Estate Agents: Add Value and Peace of Mind
Attention real estate professionals: building an HVAC inspection into your process adds value to your services and increases trust. It also delivers one thing that matters more than almost any other to buyers: peace of mind.
Homebuyers: Find HVAC Problems Before They Become Yours
It’s every homebuyer’s worst nightmare: you close on your dream home, start moving your stuff in, and suddenly there’s no AC. The last thing you want when moving in is an expensive repair bill, especially if it’s one the seller should have taken care of.
We help you avoid these problems so you can close and move in without fear.
An HVAC inspection can identify issues that haven’t yet caused a unit to fail. You gain leverage during closing negotiations and assurance that your new home’s HVAC system is ready to keep you comfortable for years to come.
The Upstate Home Maintenance Difference
Upstate Home Maintenance gives every customer our best, honest recommendations every time based on what we find during the inspection, no exceptions. This is true across every service we offer, including our pre-purchase HVAC inspections.
We understand the fears that many homeowners and homebuyers have. A new HVAC is a major investment, and no one wants to be sold something they don’t really need.
At Upstate, we never push you to replace your system unless it’s actually needed. Doing so wastes your money and our time, and it ruins trust. We seek the best for our customers and long-term trust, not short-term sales.
Schedule Your Real Estate HVAC Inspection Today
Before you close, book an HVAC inspection with us. Our affordable rates are well worth the peace of mind and knowledge you’ll gain.
frequently asked questions
How long does a new AC unit last?
New AC units should last at least 12 to 15 years. Some last much longer, while some fail earlier. There are numerous variables, including whether the unit was properly installed and how well it has been maintained.
How do you tell if an AC is broken?
If you know what you are looking for, you can usually detect problems before they become serious and need expensive repairs. If your unit is exhibiting any of these symptoms, you should call a professional HVAC contractor for advice on air conditioning repairs as soon as possible:
- Frequent Cycles
- Unusual noises
- Water leaks
- Bad smells
- Insufficient airflow
- Warm air generation
- High humidity
What does a pre-purchase HVAC inspection cover?
Our HVAC inspections cover all major system components, including refrigerant, ductwork, heat pumps/condensers, furnaces, and drain lines. We also evaluate performance elements, including temperature, airflow, and humidity.
What should a homebuyer look for in an HVAC inspection report?
Every HVAC system will have some wear and tear or maintenance needs, so don’t get nervous if the report isn’t pristine. The most important elements to look for are major system components that are damaged or near failure, as well as significant structural issues such as improper installation or a system that isn’t well matched to the size and structure of your home.
What is the cost of fixing an air conditioner?
The cost of repairing an air conditioner will depend on the contractor’s labor cost, the type of repair needed, and the cost of replacement parts.
In cases where something as simple as the fan motor needs to be replaced, you are looking at a total cost of between $450-$1200. However, if you need a completely new AC unit or heat pump, you will probably have to pay somewhere in the region of $6,000.
How often should I change my HVAC filter?
You should change most HVAC filters every 90 days. Always read the filter’s documentation and ensure it is suitable for your system. You also may need to change it sooner depending on the type of filter and factors in your home (like pets or smoke).
How much does an HVAC inspection for real estate or property transfer cost?
A typical inspection with Upstate costs $179 for a single system and $250 for two systems.
What is the cost of replacing an exterior AC unit?
Because of recent changes in regulations on refrigerants, it is no longer possible to replace an outdoor unit alone. Make, model, and capacity of the unit all affect total cost, but expect to pay around $6,000 for a replacement AC unit and coil. A complete new HVAC system costs around $10,000.
How do you troubleshoot an air conditioner?
A frozen evaporator coil is one of the most common issues that affect an air conditioning unit. When the inside of the unit is frozen, the system will lose the capacity to generate cold air.
The procedure to defrost an air conditioner is simple. Turn off the thermostat and leave the fan running for five to six hours. At the end of this time, the ice should have melted, and you can use the air conditioning again.
If your unit is regularly freezing, you likely have a refrigerant leak or some other problem that needs to be solved by an HVAC professional.
How do you troubleshoot an air conditioner?
A frozen evaporator coil is one of the most common issues that affect an air conditioning unit. When the inside of the unit is frozen, the system will lose the capacity to generate cold air.
The procedure to defrost an air conditioner is simple. Turn off the thermostat and leave the fan running for five to six hours. At the end of this time, the ice should have melted, and you can use the air conditioning again.
If your unit is regularly freezing, you likely have a refrigerant leak or some other problem that needs to be solved by an HVAC professional.