A house built in the 2010s
A 2010s house is past the R-22 era; its first water heater and AC are approaching replacement age, and the next AC will use a new refrigerant.
For a 2010s house, check 4 things: the ac likely uses r-410a; original water heaters are long past typical life; 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 likely uses R-410A
EPA restricted refrigerants with a GWP of 700 or more, including R-410A, in new home AC and heat pumps from January 1, 2025. Existing systems can keep running and be serviced.
How to check: When the outdoor unit is replaced, quotes should name the refrigerant for both the outdoor unit and the indoor coil.
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.
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.