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An AC inspection at handover checks five things a quick hand-under-the-vent test never catches: temperature differential, airflow at every vent, condensate drainage, noise and vibration, and the electrical load feeding the unit. Cold air coming out tells you almost nothing about whether any of these are actually right. The table below shows what gets measured and why.
What Gets Measured, and With What
| What’s Checked | Tool Used | What It Reveals |
| Temperature differential | Thermometer at supply and return air | Whether the system is actually cooling efficiently, not just running |
| Airflow at every vent | Anemometer | Ducting problems, balancing issues, disconnected sections |
| Condensate drainage | Visual and water test | Whether the line is draining or backing up, a common hidden leak source |
| Noise and vibration | Direct observation while running | Loose panels, misaligned fan blades, compressor mount issues |
| Electrical load | Circuit and load testing | Whether wiring is rated correctly for the unit’s actual power draw |
Cold Air Coming Out Isn’t the Test
An AC unit can produce cold air while still having real problems underneath: low refrigerant charge that’s still enough to cool a small room but not enough to keep up once summer temperatures climb, a compressor working harder than it should, ducting that’s leaking cold air into a ceiling void instead of the room it’s meant to be cooling. None of that shows up if the only thing you’re checking is whether air feels cold at the vent.
Why Airflow Gets Checked at Every Single Vent
Weak or uneven airflow across rooms points to ducting problems, a balancing issue, or in some cases a duct that’s partially disconnected somewhere behind a ceiling. Beyond the AC itself, a proper handover check also covers the fans and ventilation inspection side of things, extraction fans in bathrooms and kitchens, since AC and ventilation systems in a new build are often linked more closely than people realise.
Noise Is Worth More Attention Than People Give It
A unit that’s rattling, clicking on startup, or unusually loud compared to a normal split system is telling you something, even if it’s still cooling fine on the surface. Loose panels, a fan blade slightly out of alignment, or a compressor mount that wasn’t installed correctly can all sound roughly similar to an untrained ear but mean very different repairs.
We checked a villa where the owner mentioned, almost as an afterthought, that the outdoor unit made a faint humming noise at night he’d gotten used to. Turned out one of the compressor’s mounting bolts had backed out slightly during installation, letting the whole unit vibrate against its frame. Cheap fix once it’s found, and it was still well within his DLP.
Electrical Load Matters Too
AC units draw significant power, and the wiring feeding them needs to be rated correctly for that load. An electrical systems inspection alongside the AC check confirms the circuit isn’t undersized, since an undersized circuit might work fine on day one and start tripping breakers once you’re actually running the system continuously through peak summer.
Why Handover Timing Matters Specifically
Checking the AC at handover, rather than waiting a few months, means any installation issue is still fully covered under your Defects Liability Period. A refrigerant charge that’s slightly off, or ducting that wasn’t sealed properly, are both things a developer is responsible for fixing if caught early. Wait too long and the same issue becomes something you’re paying for yourself.
How This Fits Into a Broader Handover Inspection
AC is one part of a full handover check, not the whole thing. If you want to see how it fits alongside everything else worth checking on handover day, our pre-handover inspection guide covers the full scope beyond just the AC system.
FAQ’s About AC Inspection at Handover
How long does an AC inspection take at handover?
For a standard apartment, usually under an hour as part of a broader inspection. Villas with central systems and more ducting can take longer, depending on how many zones and vents there are to check.
What if my AC seems fine but I still want it checked?
That’s actually the ideal scenario, checking it while it’s still working well rather than waiting for a problem to force the issue.
Is a weak vent in one room normal?
Not really, no. Airflow should be reasonably even across rooms of similar size, and a noticeably weaker vent usually points to something specific worth investigating.
Does Dubshy include AC in a standard handover inspection?
Yes. Dubshy checks temperature differential, airflow, drainage, and noise as part of every handover inspection, not as a separate add-on you have to request.
Don’t Judge It By Cold Air Alone
| Book your AC check while the developer’s still responsible Feeling cold air at a vent tells you almost nothing about whether an AC system was actually installed correctly. If you’re heading into handover soon, it’s worth arranging to book an AC inspection while the developer’s still on the hook for anything that turns up. |
