Quote:
Originally Posted by krys
My better half (husband) and I are supposed to close on a pre-owned house the end of April. The house was built in 1996 and we understand that "stuff" ages, but we just received the home inspection report and are somewhat confused about EXACTLY how a "heat pump" works. The report states they checked the "HP Cool Mode Only" and rated it fair because of its age, but state that there is mildew at the platform behind the air handler and damaged wood below the air filter due to moisture intrusion. The rest of the "cooling system" report was boilerplate disclamers - Can anyone tell us what the "normal" life of a "normal" heat pump is - if that's possible - and should we be WORRIED? Is moisture "normal" for a Heat pump? Does the fact that the house was unoccupied for "a while" have any impact? HELP!
Thanks in advance.
Krys
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It would take pages to explain fully how a heat pump works. However, in simple terms, when cooling the system removes warm air from the house and and replaces it with cooled air. When heating it reverses and removes warm air from the outside and replaces the cool air in the house. This is done with one compressor and it actually reverses. There is a point where it can't get enough warmth from the outside air so it has to supplement that by the use of electrical resistance heat strips in the unit.
There is no "normal" life. A lot depends on how well it has been maintained. If the air handler is in the garage there is a chance of more moisture and also more rust.
I would bite the bullet and hire a reputable HVAC tech to inspect the system. I know you run the risk of someone trying to replace the system but based on its age and the inspectors report you may have to do that in the not to distant future.