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HVAC Inspection for Buying or Selling a Home in the San Fernando Valley
A general home inspection covers the whole house, so the heating and air conditioning usually get a quick look: does it turn on, does it blow warm or cool air. If you’re buying or selling a home in the San Fernando Valley, a closer look from a licensed HVAC contractor can tell you a lot more before you sign. Valley HVAC Network connects buyers, sellers and homeowners with independent, licensed local HVAC contractors for pre-purchase and pre-listing HVAC inspections.
What an HVAC Contractor Usually Checks
- Age of the equipment. The data plate and serial number on the furnace, AC or heat pump usually show when it was made.
- The furnace heat exchanger and venting, looking for cracks, rust or a disconnected flue that could let exhaust into the home
- Refrigerant type. Older AC systems may use R-22. New R-22 hasn’t been produced or imported in the U.S. since 2020, so repairs on those systems can cost more.
- Cooling and heating performance, including temperatures at the vents and how the system cycles
- Ductwork in the attic or crawlspace: loose, crushed or leaking ducts and old insulation
- Condensate drain, filter, thermostat and electrical connections
- Signs of past problems, like water stains around the indoor unit or a rooftop unit
For Buyers
In the Valley’s hot summers, a failing AC is a big expense to find out about after you move in. An HVAC inspection during your contingency period can help you ask the seller for a repair or credit, or plan for a replacement. Ask the contractor for written findings with photos and the age of each unit.
For Sellers
Having the system serviced and checked before you list can head off surprises during escrow. A clean filter, a recent tune-up and a short written report show buyers the system has been cared for. If a part needs replacing, fixing it before listing is often simpler than negotiating it later.
Common Questions
Is an HVAC inspection the same as a home inspection?
No. Home inspectors are generalists. An HVAC contractor with a California C-20 license works on these systems every day and can test them more closely. Many buyers get both.
Does an HVAC inspection come with a warranty?
Usually not. It’s a report on the condition of the system on the day it’s checked. Some contractors offer a separate maintenance plan or warranty on work they do.
Should I ask about permits?
Yes. If the AC or furnace was replaced, ask whether a permit was pulled and closed. Unpermitted work can come up during a sale.
What Happens When You Call
- Tell us what’s going on, whether you’re buying or selling and the escrow timeline, and where you’re located
- We connect you with an independent, licensed HVAC contractor who services your neighborhood
- They diagnose, repair or quote the job directly with you
Related articles
- Repair or Replace Your AC?
- HVAC Maintenance & Tune-Ups
- How to Check an HVAC Contractor’s License in California
Valley HVAC Network is a referral service, not an HVAC contractor. Learn more about how this works →
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