The AC and heating systems should be a part of any home purchase inspection along with roof, foundation, plumbing, electrical and pest reports.

Doing as much looking around as you can on your own will prepare you for better understanding problems that a professional inspector finds. You may also find problems yourself, and alert the inspector about things to look for.

Check the Air Conditioner’s Efficiency Rating

Take a paper and pen and carefully examine the central air conditioning system of each prospective house you visit. When you locate the home’s air conditioning system, look near the compressor for a yellow tag (pictured on right) that gives information about that particular air conditioner. Perhaps the most important piece of information on the Energy Guide tag is the system’s Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating, or SEER score.

The SEER number is in the middle of the tag and indicates the energy efficiency for that model. A lower number means lower efficiency and higher operating costs and electricity expenses. The Energy Guide tag makes it very easy to directly compare the efficiency of air conditioning systems against each other by depicting a sliding scale and where that particular model ranks in overal efficiency compared to other available options. This is a good thing to take note of when comparing houses to rent or own.

Most cental A/C models being manufactured now have a SEER score of 13 or more. SEER 15 to 17 and above are an indication of a very high efficiency model. The manufacturer and model number are also found on this tag in the upper right hand corner, and are important to note.

Environmental Concerns

Changes have occurred in what kinds of refrigerants can be used in AC systems. The older type of CFC, called R-22, is being phased out, and newer, ozone friendly R 410-A is replacing it. The model number can help determine what kind of refrigerant the system has in it.

There is no problem continuing to use a system with R-22 for now. Manufacture of R-22 will continue until January 1, 2020 for maintaining existing models. The price for R-22 will continue going up, however, as it gets closer to being phased out.

All new models now being built contain the new R 410-A gas. It is manufactured under a number of registered trademark names. The EPA has developed comprehensive list of EPA approved AC refrigerants available on their website for environmentally conscious consumers.

Air Conditioner Leaking & Cooling Problems

If the AC system is leaking refrigerant, it will possibly leave an oil stain from compressor oil that leaked with it. The gas itself will evaporate and will not be visible. If the system lacks refrigerant, it will not cool properly, so be sure to check how well the AC cools the house.

Water leaks are something else that you may find. AC systems take moisture out of the air and deposit it in a drain pan. Check this area for problems with clogged drains or other accumulation of moisture that could cause mold.

A central air conditioner that needs replacement can cost between $2,000 to $5,000, not including the air ducts. Flexible ducts sometimes need to be replaced, especially if there are problems with mold. Ridged metal duct work can be cleaned, is less likely to have mold problems and is more durable. Replacement of duct work, along with cooling unit or heat pump, can increase the replacement cost to $10,000.

Having a professional home inspector look at the AC system, as well as the rest of the house, is well worth the money when buying an older home. The cost of an inspection is usually between $200 and $500. It is the buyer’s responsibility to have a house inspected during a sale, except for pest reports required of the seller.

General contractors, as well as air conditioning repair contractors, have the expertise for examining the central air conditioning system in a house you are thinking about buying a new air conditioner.

There is never a time when homeowners are NOT looking for a way to save money. When considering some home improvements that will provide a notable return on your investment, window tinting in South Florida is a given. The energy savings on single pane windows alone could be as much as 64 percent! However, this is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg.

Consider the possibilities. When choosing to invest in a quality window tint to fight the effects of the blazing Florida sun, the opportunity to reduce the overwhelming energy bill every month may be enough of a financial incentive. But be aware, as well, of the protection those window tints can provide for the carpet and furniture that you have carefully chosen for your home. These items tend to fade at a higher rate down here in Florida than they do in other areas.

For an older home, this comparatively small investment is one that will not only save money immediately, but long term as well. It is not something that will require a total mess in a room of the house for the days or weeks it takes to remodel a bathroom or kitchen. It will not require multiple contractors with questionable laborers traipsing through your home. And perhaps even more spectacular, no endless “discussions” about which color tiles, cabinets, paint, or flooring to choose. A “win-win” for the whole household.

Consider the Many Benefits of Window Films

If the above is not enough to convince you, how about some statistics available from the well known home improvement supply company, Home Depot:

Window tinting can block up to 99 percent of UV rays, as well as almost 72 percent of solar heat from entering your windows and home. Your current air conditioning systems will be given a huge boost and be able to operate at a lower rate than they are currently. Your furniture and flooring will not be subject to high UV rays, and will hold their color and quality longer. Those items you chose to position far away from windows can be place anywhere in the room that suits your taste. Window tinting is an investment you can feel good about.

Environmental Benefits of Window Film

Consider, as well, the effect on our environment that our high energy use creates. You are undoubtedly concerned about the status of our planet like many other residents of Florida. We are first in line to experience the effects, should global warming become an irrefutable fact.

Even if it does not prove to be so, non-renewable resources are a clear reality. Our effect on our environment, as individuals, can be immense. If all older single family homes in Florida, and other areas with warm climates, were to be retrofitted with this simple improvement, the results would be almost unfathomable.

Improvements like window tinting, along with some appliances with better energy efficiency, have been found to be so beneficial to our country alone, that the government even offered a Federal Tax Credit for their use. The statistics are somewhat staggering. Many installations of window tinting are paid for by savings within a mere two years. (TheEnergyCollective.com) The warmer your climate is, the larger the possible return on your investment. Single pane windows are more significantly affected, yet the double pane window can still bring an average savings of a whopping 20 percent!

To some readers, this may seem as insignificant as setting a thermostat and allowing the cooling units to operate efficiently. That perception is not all there is too it! Imagine being able to maintain a comfortable temperature, AND saving money? As always, consult a home improvement professional to determine the correct type of tint and refracting angle needed for each window. This will help to guarantee the desired results, both financially and aesthetically. Investing in your home will also invest in the future of our planet, and the future of your bank account! How’s that for a win-win scenario?