A Real Estate Professional’s Guide to Optional HVAC Inspection
Understanding the Optional HVAC Inspection Program
Home inspections are a great start in determining whether a home’s systems and appliances are working properly. However, some systems—like heating and air conditioning—can’t be easily tested and require additional expertise for an accurate diagnosis.
The Optional HVAC Inspection is a service that evaluates the HVAC system to ensure eligibility for full coverage under a 2-10 HBW Home Systems and Appliances Service Agreement (a/k/a Home Warranty). Where available, it is an added benefit and is NOT REQUIRED for coverage under the 2-10 HBW Home Warranty Service Agreement. It simply is an additional option to help clients uncover and resolve defects or problems with their HVAC system that might preclude coverage under their 2-10 HBW Home Warranty.
Heating and Air Conditioning system breakdowns are inconvenient and expensive. At retail cost replacing an HVAC system averages $6,705* out of pocket for your Seller or Buyer. The 2-10 HBW Home Warranty Service Agreement covers items that are in place and in good and safe working order with no defects at the beginning of the service period. A Home Warranty Service Agreement does not cover certain items and events, including the repair or replacement of a defect or failure that existed at closing and/or prior to the service period.
To avoid complications at closing, make sure you schedule your HVAC Inspection when you enroll listing coverage.
FAQs
IS THIS HVAC INSPECTION REQUIRED BY 2-10 HBW?
No. The Optional HVAC Inspection program offered by 2-10 HBW is completely optional. When HVAC service requests are denied, homeowners often want to blame the Seller or the agent for not determining or disclosing the failure prior to closing. The Optional HVAC Inspection program is an inexpensive way to help Buyers and agents know if any conditions exist with the HVAC system that need to be resolved to get the most benefit from the Home Warranty.
HOW MUCH DOES THE HVAC INSPECTION COST?
The inspection costs no more than $150 for the first unit, and no more than $75 for each additional unit.
HOW DO I ORDER AN HVAC INSPECTION?
To order an HVAC Inspection, you can visit
2-10.com/agent and request the inspection at the time you enroll coverage. You can also place a request with Agent Services at 720.531.6723
WHAT IF DEFECTS ARE FOUND?
The service contractor will provide the homeowner an estimate to repair the defects at discounted pricing. If the repairs are performed before closing, the homeowner needs to only provide verification to 2-10 HBW that the repairs were performed to have the HVAC system fully covered under the Home Warranty.
WHAT SORT OF DEFECTS OR FAILURES MIGHT BE PRESENT EVEN THOUGH THE HVAC SYSTEM IS WORKING?
There are many. For instance, the evaporative coil could be leaking coolant even though cool air is still flowing. Likewise, the heat exchanger can have small cracks and still produce warm air at the vents. These are defects or failures that develop over time and, if found immediately after closing, would fall outside the scope of coverage under the Home Warranty Service Agreement.
WHAT IF I HAVE MY OWN HVAC INSPECTION DONE?
That’s great! Any licensed HVAC technician should be qualified to conduct a specialized inspection of the HVAC system. However, the form used by 2-10 HBW Service Contractors confirms that the system will be covered under the 2-10 HBW Home Warranty. We cannot guarantee the same result with a non-network contractor.
WHAT IF MY SELLER OBTAINS CERTIFICATION AT THE TIME OF LISTING, BUT THE HOME DOES NOT SELL FOR SIX MONTHS?
No problem! Once an HVAC system has been inspected and certified, coverage is valid as long as a 2-10 HBW Home Warranty Service Agreement is in effect and there are no gaps in coverage.
HAVE ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS?
Please call 2-10 HBW directly at 720.531.6723.
*National averages based on data collected in November 2021. Costs in your area may vary.
