In escrow...problem with HVAC? HELP!

9 years ago

last modified: 9 years ago

I'm in escrow for my 1st home! The home inspector found signs of an old leak near the HVAC system. There was water damage and mold about a foot away from the unit, underneath the pipes that go into the wall. The damage is about 8 inches wide and covered with surface mold. We ran the AC for 2 hours on a very hot/humid day and saw no condensation or current leaking. I called a few HVAC contractors and showed them the picture, but they said it looks like its been repaired and mentioned if I ran the AC and it didn't leak, then nothing is wrong. The seller of the home says nothing has been repaired, but that it was just condensation at one point that caused that...Should I get someone out to still look at this?

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Comments (3)

sktn77a
9 years ago
Clean the area with bleach and keep an eye on it. Looks like it may have been a very slow leak (drip) at some point and an easy diy fix if it drips again. I don't think its anything to worry about.

Home inspectors tend to overblow everything to justify their fees!
Lisa L thanked sktn77a
PRO
Austin Air Companie
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
That PVC condensate line (if that's what it is) is not insulated and sometimes when AC is run that condensate water can be quite cold, the longer the AC runs the more condensate runs down the pipe. This can cause the pipe to sweat.

I assume the insulated pipe in the upper left of the picture is the line set?

Have the condensate line insulated and recheck it when AC has been running a lot.

Sincerely, magic 8 ball.
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Jake The Wonderdog
9 years ago
Agreed. This is a non-issue.

This is condensation from a cold condensate line. A sponge with a little bleach water will take care of the mold but you don't even need to do that.