A house built in the 1990s
By the 1990s lead-free plumbing rules and garage-door entrapment protection (1993) apply; original HVAC from this era used R-22 and is well past typical life.
For a 1990s house, check 6 things: the ac may use r-22 refrigerant; the garage door opener may predate entrapment protection; original water heaters are long past typical life; asbestos-containing materials are possible; dressers bought before 2023 predate the tip-over standard; test for radon, whatever the age. A decade says what is possible, not what your house has.
The AC may use R-22 refrigerant
EPA: production and import of HCFC-22 (R-22) ended on January 1, 2020; systems can still be serviced with recovered, recycled or stockpiled R-22, which is scarce and costly. New systems for R-22 stopped being manufactured in 2010.
How to check: Read the outdoor unit’s nameplate. On an R-22 system with a leak, ask for a repair-versus-replace comparison in writing.
The garage door opener may predate entrapment protection
Federal rules (16 CFR 1211) require automatic residential garage door openers made after January 1, 1993 to include entrapment protection, such as an auto-reverse and photo-eye or edge sensor.
How to check: Test the auto-reverse with a 2x4 laid under the door. An opener without photo-eyes near the floor is due for replacement.
Original water heaters are long past typical life
DOE’s 2024 water heater rulemaking estimated the average lifetime of storage water heaters at about 15 years. A home of this age has almost certainly had its water heater replaced at least once, but it is worth confirming the date from the serial number.
How to check: Decode the serial number to get the manufacture date and add it to My Home.
Asbestos-containing materials are possible
EPA lists places asbestos may be found in older homes, such as some floor tiles, roofing and siding shingles, textured paints and patching compounds, pipe and boiler insulation, and some vermiculite insulation. Material in good condition that is left alone is generally not a hazard.
How to check: Before demolition or remodeling, have suspect materials sampled by an accredited professional; do not sand, cut or scrape them yourself.
Dressers bought before 2023 predate the tip-over standard
CPSC’s clothing storage unit standard took effect May 24, 2023, requiring stability testing, labels and a hang tag.
How to check: Anchor older dressers and bookcases to studs.
Test for radon, whatever the age
EPA recommends testing every home for radon. House age does not predict it; soil and construction details do.
How to check: Test every two years and after renovations that change the lowest level.
Information, not an inspection. Testing and abatement of lead or asbestos should be done by certified professionals.