Inspect before you inherit
Homebuyer Guide
Practical HVAC and comfort checks for evaluating a New Orleans house before closing or negotiating repairs.
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- 01What should an HVAC inspection cover before closing?
A practical pre-closing HVAC review for New Orleans buyers that separates visible facts, measured performance, records, flood exposure, and unresolved risk.
- 02HVAC red flags when buying a home
Buying a home means inspecting more than paint and flooring — the HVAC system carries real cost implications if it's mismatched, poorly installed, or in a flood-prone area.
- 03How much life is left in this AC?
How old an air conditioner is only tells part of the story.
- 04HVAC questions to ask the seller
Before you make an offer, ask the seller for paperwork that shows how the HVAC system was installed and maintained, as well as its age.
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- 05How to check AC temperature split before buying
A temperature split test compares the air temperature returning to your air conditioner with the air coming out of the supply vents.
- 06How to check ductwork before buying
Check visible ductwork for disconnected runs, crushed flex duct, rust, missing insulation, and past repairs before making an offer.
- 07How to check humidity before buying
Checking humidity risk before buying means combining what you can see and smell yourself with a review of the home's cooling system and its flood and permit history.
- 08How to spot mismatched HVAC equipment
Mismatched HVAC equipment means the outdoor condenser, indoor coil, and furnace or air handler weren't designed to work together, or the system wasn't sized and set up for the specific home.
- 09HVAC service records to request
Ask for installation dates, model and serial numbers, permits, warranties, and repair records before buying a house.
- 10Negotiating an AC replacement before closing
Buying a home with an aging or failing air conditioner doesn't require you to accept the seller's price or their repair choice.