What a pre-purchase AC inspection checks

A standard building and pest inspection usually doesn’t look closely at the air conditioning. But replacing a ducted system or several splits can cost thousands, so it’s worth knowing what you’re buying before you sign.

What we check

• Age, brand and model of every system, so you know how much life it has left

• How well it heats and cools, tested in every room or zone

• The condition of the indoor and outdoor units, including corrosion, damage and mould

• Ductwork and vents on ducted systems, looking for damaged or disconnected ducts

• Drainage, to make sure water is going where it should and not into the ceiling or walls

• Electrical connections and safe operation

• Whether it looks to have been installed properly and maintained

Older systems to watch out for

Some older systems run on R22, a refrigerant that’s being phased out in Australia. These units can still run fine, but if they need a refrigerant repair, it can be expensive or not worth doing. We’ll tell you if a system falls into this group.

What you get

You get a clear report on what’s there, the condition it’s in, and anything that needs fixing. Where something needs repair or replacement, we’ll give you an idea of the likely costs. That can help with negotiating the price, or simply planning ahead.

Who it’s for

• Home buyers who want to avoid surprises after settlement

• Investors buying a rental, where a breakdown means an unhappy tenant

• Anyone buying a property with ducted air conditioning, where repairs cost the most

Buying soon?

Get in touch to book a pre-purchase inspection. Let us know your settlement or cooling-off date, and we’ll do our best to fit in around it.