As of January 1, 2010 HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning) manufacturers are no longer producing air conditioners and heat pumps that contain R-22, commonly known as Freon.  This is part of the US Environmental Protection Agency's Tile VI - Clean Air Act.  Instead HVAC equipment manufactures will have to begin building equipment that uses the refrigerant 410a, better know as Puron, which is more efficient. To learn more click on the link to the EPA website: http://www.epa.gov/ozone/title6/phaseout/classtwo.html

As a buyer make sure you choose a home warranty plan that covers these expanded services in the event your HVAC needs repair.

 Helpful Tips:

-  If you don't get the right coverage it is possible in the future it may cost you thousands to get your HVAC unit(s) fixed.

-  If your real estate agent is filling out the order form for your home warranty be sure to remind them that you want a plan that will cover R-410a. From what I see it looks like the basic plan of a home warranty will not cover the R-410a. *Be sure to read the plan or at least call the service desk to get answers to your questions.  

- The information I have received from a few of the home warranty companies is that the agent/client must select the upgraded plan.   These "Premium" plans usually cover upgrades and/or items that need to be brought up to code.

-  Depending on what you and your real estate agent negotiate your home warranty plan sometimes is paid 100% by the seller or the seller will pay a portion and you pickup the remanding balance.

** My 2 cents -  it's worth the additional $50 -$100 for the "bring up to code" plan.  I know when you are buying a home the last thing you want is to do is bring more money to the table, but trust me when I say it's worth it in the end.

If you currently have a home warranty and you are not sure if you have the upgraded feature call and find out.  If you don't have the upgrade plan ask when you can purchase it. 

To read what the Texas Warranty Association has to say about the R-410a change click here: http://www.texaswarrantyassociation.com/newslinks.aspx

To end on a positive note

The benefits of the R-410a HVAC system include:

1. More efficient

2. Less negative impact on the environment

3. Re-sale value of your home. Having a new R-410a system versus the older R- 22.

If you would like to start doing some research and need names of home warranty companies email me at Yvette@YvetteAllenProperties.com and I'll forward you the information.

Thank you for reading my No Place Like San Antonio Blog

Yvette Allen Properties specializes in San Antonio Real Estate

and Helotes Real Estate

210.215.6897