Understand the HVAC system before closing
Buying a home is already a major investment. The last thing you want is to move in and discover significant HVAC problems you didn't know about.
The General's Real Estate HVAC Assessment gives you a closer look at the heating and cooling equipment before closing, with a written report of what we find.
Buying?
Understand the condition of the HVAC system you're about to own.
Selling?
Find out what may need attention before your home changes hands.
Representing a client?
Give your client access to an HVAC contractor who will evaluate the system and document the findings.
Should I get an HVAC assessment before buying a home?
Yes. We recommend one for every home purchase.
A system can be running and still have problems worth knowing about. We've seen too many homeowners discover significant HVAC issues shortly after closing, when the system, and the cost to address it, is already theirs.
Know what you're buying before you own it.
What will I know after the assessment?
We want you to understand what you're taking ownership of, not just whether the system turns on.
Depending on the equipment in the home and what we find, your assessment can help answer questions like:
- Is the heating and cooling equipment operating properly today?
- What condition is the equipment in?
- Is there anything that needs attention now?
- Are there installation or drainage concerns?
- Are there airflow, electrical, comfort, or performance concerns worth knowing about?
- Is there anything about the equipment you should understand before closing?
- Are there equipment-age or warranty considerations worth knowing about?
- What should you keep in mind as the equipment ages?
The exact evaluation depends on the equipment and conditions in the home. We evaluate what's actually there rather than reducing every home to the same checklist.
What do I receive?
More than a thumbs-up or thumbs-down
You receive a written report documenting what we found, what deserves attention, and why it matters.
Your report can include:
- A summary of the most important findings
- The condition of the equipment evaluated
- Relevant observations and measurements
- Items that need attention
- Recommended next steps
- Equipment information
- Photos documenting conditions we found
If the equipment is operating properly, we'll tell you. If we find something that deserves attention, we'll tell you that too.
The purpose of the report is to give you an accurate picture of the HVAC system, not to create a particular outcome for the real estate transaction.
What does a Real Estate HVAC Assessment cost?
Pricing starts at $550.
One system is the cooling and heating together.
| Systems | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 System | $550 |
| 2 Systems | $900 |
| 3 Systems | $1,250 |
| 4 Systems | $1,600 |
It includes an HVAC evaluation and a written report with an estimate for recommended work upon request.
See what an actual HVAC assessment looks like
In this real assessment, both air conditioners were running and cooling normally during our visit.
Our evaluation also identified other conditions the buyers needed to understand before taking ownership of the home.
We document what we find
When photos help explain a condition, we include them in the report so you can see what our findings are based on.
This is what you receive. Starting at $550.
Buying, selling, or helping a client through a transaction?
For buyers
Know more about the system before it becomes yours.
You've already made a significant investment in the home. An HVAC assessment gives you an opportunity to understand the condition of the heating and cooling equipment while you're still in the buying process.
For sellers
Know where your HVAC system stands before you list.
An assessment gives you a chance to understand any concerns before a buyer finds them. You can decide what to address before you're in the middle of a transaction.
For real estate agents
When your client needs a closer look at the HVAC system, we're happy to help.
We'll evaluate the equipment, explain what we find, and provide your client with a written report they can refer back to.
Why choose The General for a Real Estate HVAC Assessment?
You should be able to understand what was found and what it means for the HVAC system you're buying.
The General Heating & Air is a veteran-owned, family-run HVAC company serving Cypress, Katy, Fulshear, and surrounding West Houston.
Co-founder Adé Sampson is a licensed HVAC contractor and ten-year U.S. Air Force veteran.
We take the time to evaluate the equipment, document what we find, and give you information you can refer back to after the appointment.
Veteran-Owned. Family-Run. Dr. Mom Approved.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an HVAC assessment if I already had a home inspection?
We recommend one.
Your home inspector evaluates the property as a whole and may identify HVAC concerns that deserve further evaluation. A Real Estate HVAC Assessment gives you a closer look at the heating and cooling equipment itself.
If your inspector has specifically recommended further HVAC evaluation, we strongly recommend following that advice before closing.
What if my home inspector didn't find an HVAC problem?
We still recommend an HVAC assessment before purchasing the home.
A system can be operating on the day of an inspection while still having conditions worth understanding before you take ownership.
My home inspector recommended an HVAC contractor. Is this the right service?
Yes.
The Real Estate HVAC Assessment is specifically designed to give buyers, sellers, and their agents a closer look at the heating and cooling equipment during a real estate transaction.
Can you tell me how much longer the AC or furnace will last?
No one can give an exact expiration date for HVAC equipment.
We can tell you what we observe about its age, current condition, operation, and relevant concerns so you have better information about what you're buying.
What happens if you find something wrong?
We'll document what we found and explain why it deserves attention.
An estimate for recommended work is available upon request.
Can a seller schedule an assessment before listing?
Yes.
Sellers can use the assessment to better understand the condition of their heating and cooling equipment before the home changes hands.
Can my real estate agent schedule the assessment?
Yes.
We can coordinate property access with the appropriate person involved in the transaction.
Will I receive a written report?
Yes.
You'll receive a written report documenting our findings. It's yours to keep and share with your agent or anyone else who needs it.
What areas do you serve?
We serve Cypress, Katy, Fulshear, and surrounding West Houston, including Bridgeland and Towne Lake.
Know more before you close.
You're already making one of the largest purchases you'll ever make.
Take the time to understand the heating and cooling system that comes with it.
Schedule your Real Estate HVAC Assessment before closing. Pricing starts at $550.
The General Heating & Air Lic. TACLA153612E Commanding Comfort & Clean Air.