Buying a home is a big milestone for many. However, if you neglect to do proper mold and HVAC inspections, this joyous time can quickly turn into a financial nightmare. Standard home inspections don’t typically cover HVAC and mold, and if you happen to find one that does, it’s typically not thorough. We think this is a pretty grave downfall, being that system replacement and mold remediation are quite costly.
If you uncover these issues before closing, it gives you a good stance to negotiate a price adjustment or repairs from the seller. Hence, it’s pertinent to have these aspects checked in advance.
We at Green Ductors will be happy to lend a hand. We are EPA and NADCA certified and can perform HVAC and mold inspections for you. Our team helps uncover issues early on so you’re not faced with costly surprises down the road.
HVAC Inspections: A Critical Step for New York & New Jersey Homebuyers
A standard inspection checks the bare minimum. When it comes to an HVAC system inspection, it typically means the inspector will make sure the system turns on, but he won’t analyze what’s happening inside. Inside, however, is where the costly problems lie:
- Old or poorly maintained systems often need replacements, which aren’t cheap.
- The system can also be clogged and need cleaning. We recommend cleaning regardless when moving into a new space, so as to rid the home of old contaminants and start fresh with clean air all around. However, if clogged, this is also something that can be negotiated with the seller to be addressed prior to closing.
- Leaks in the system, whether leaking air through a damaged duct, or a refrigerant leak, can cost a pretty penny to fix and often affect cooling performance.
- It’s also possible to have electrical issues, which can lead to fires down the line.
- Ventilation issues. If things aren’t working and air isn’t moving as they should, the system is almost bound to end up with mold issues due to the increased moisture and humidity in the tight dark space that is the duct.
Mold Inspections: A Must for New York & New Jersey Homes
Mold is something that tends to hide, and standard inspections often miss it. Mildew and mold like humid environments, and with NY and NJ having fluctuating levels of humidity, it’s not uncommon for spores to start growing. If you’ve read our previous posts where we’ve touched on mold, you know that it can have serious impacts on your home and health.
Signs of mold presence can include:
- Musty smells
- Respiratory issues
- Structural damage
We recommend a mold inspection regardless, so you aren’t left facing hefty remediation costs later on, but especially if:
- You see mold anywhere in the home
- If there are water stains or signs of past leaks
- If the humidity levels in the home are over 60%
The Bottom Line: Protect Your NY or NJ Home Investment
Let your new home be a financial investment and not a financial burden. If you’re a real estate agent, give extra value to your clients by letting them know of these important and at times overlooked inspections. If anything, a detailed HVAC check and mold inspection can give you peace of mind to rest assured you’re making the right decision.
You shouldn’t sign the final paperwork until you get the big ticket items checked and squared away. Green Ductors is trusted and certified, so don’t hesitate to reach out at 888-334-1612 or fill in our contact form on the website to set up your inspection(s) today!
