Are you getting ready to move into your new home? If so, it’s important to check the AC system before moving in. By doing so, you can avoid any potential problems and ensure that your home is comfortable when you need it most. You don’t want to find yourself without air conditioning on the hottest day of the year – or without heat on the coldest day of the year.
Here are a few reasons why you should check the AC system before moving into your new home.
To Ensure That the AC Is Working Properly
One of the most important things to do before moving into a new place is to check the AC system. This will ensure that it is working properly and help avoid any problems down the road. If there are any issues with the AC, they can be fixed before you move in, so you don’t have to deal with them later on.
It’s not enough to simply turn it on and see if it functions. Before you move in, you should get a complete inspection report of the AC system. Most AC and heater tune-up experts will include information on the age and condition of the AC unit, as well as any potential problems that may need to be addressed in this report. These issues should be fixed before moving in.
To Identify Any Potential Problems
AC systems can have a wide range of issues, from small and easily fixed, to large and expensive. Some of these include:
- Incorrect installation
- Incorrectly sized unit for the home size
- Inefficient system design
- Damaged equipment
- Dirty air filters or coils
- Low refrigerant levels
- Sensor problems
- Damaged vents and ducts
- Malfunctioning electronics
- Noisy operation when AC system is on
- Carbon monoxide risks
All of these problems can lead to decreased comfort, inefficient AC operation, increased energy bills, and even health risks. That’s why it’s important to have a professional check your AC system before you move in.
To Understand Your Monthly Costs
Not all AC units are the same. What you may have been using in your previous home may be different from what is in the home you are moving into. You don’t want to move in and then have to purchase a new AC unit because the one you have is too large or too small for your new home. Checking the AC system ahead of time will help give you an idea of how much it may cost to cool or heat your home every month.
Don’t assume that because the AC unit in the new home is working fine, it will meet your needs. Consider the age of the unit and how often it has been serviced. If it is an older model, it may not be as energy efficient as a newer model. Is it efficient enough to meet your needs? Is it energy-star rated? You don’t want to be spending more money than you have to on your energy bill each month.
To Find out If You’ll Need an Upgrade Soon
Unless you’re moving to a modern, new home, there’s a good chance your air conditioning system isn’t up to today’s standards. Older homes may have window units or even central AC systems that are far too small for the current square footage of the house. If you’re moving into an older home, it’s important to check the AC system to see if it will need an upgrade.
Window units are notoriously inefficient and can add hundreds of dollars to your monthly energy bill. It may cost you extra, but if you want to be comfortable in your home, it’s best to check if the current AC unit in the new home is up to par. Today, there are high-efficiency AC systems that can cool a large home for just a few hundred dollars per year in energy costs. It’s a worthy upgrade that will pay off.
Don’t Rush the Process
When you’re moving into a new place, it’s tempting to want to get everything ready and packed to settle down as quickly as possible. But if you don’t first check the air conditioning system, you could be in for a nasty surprise. Repairing or replacing a faulty unit is a lot harder and more expensive than checking it beforehand. Make sure to give the AC unit a good test run before making a final decision.