Issues with home one month after closing

[Kayla Elliott]

Hey guys! I am new to the site and would love some insight on my current situation.  I just closed on my first home April 26th, 2020. Per the inspection agreement, the sellers agreed (with their signatures) that they would service the furnace and A/C units. Here we are currently and I’m experiencing issues with the A/C units, there are two. They did however buy a warranty that covers all major appliances for one year. After reviewing documents and calling the heating and cooling company they used, the company stated that they ONLY serviced the two furnaces and NOT the A/C units. There are a few other issues that I am not sure would hold up but I will list them any way.

1.) A/C units don’t seem to be applying  enough air through the vents so it runs longer.

2.) If the water is turned on fully in one of the tubs, water starts running from the shower head also.

3.) There seems to be an ant Infestation. Considering the amount of ants, I am sure the owners knew of this but just didn’t disclose it. I’ve sprayed and that doesn’t work so I’ve resorted to using Terro gel. I will upload a photo.  

[Joe Splitrock]

@Kayla Elliott I have had all these issues. Here are my thoughts:

1. If the vents have low airflow and all the intakes are clear, that indicates either a filter issue or the AC coil is freezing. The AC coil can freeze due to low refrigerant and ice builds up on it blocking air flow. It could also be an issue with the condenser outside needing to be cleaned. If they had the HVAC serviced, checking refrigerant and cleaning the coil outside would both be done. Start there.

Also be aware that it can take hours to reduce the temperature in a home. It is better to leave it cooler, rather than having to catch up. Setting the thermostat to 65 is way too cold. Generally in the summer you will set it between 72 and 78F. Some people mistakenly think turning it down further will cool it faster. Whether you set it to 65 or 70, it would have gotten to 77 at the exact same speed. An hour to get from 80 to 77 is not unreasonable, especially if it is hot outside or sun is coming in the window heating the house.

2. As others mentioned, you just need to replace the diverter. That repair should be under $200.

3. My house is ten years old. Once every couple years we get ants really bad in my daughters room. Like hundreds of them coming in around the window. I put out ant poison, just the drop kind. It takes about three days and they bring it back to the nest to kill the others. Our theory last time is they came in because they smelled something on the library books sitting by the window. The ants could be attracted by something you brought into the space. You are doing the right thing to get rid of them. Just give it a few days and they should be gone. You can also treat the perimeter of the house with granular ant poison. Ants are everywhere, but they only come in when they are looking for food.