Do you know the secret to a happy home? A well-maintained HVAC system.
But it’s not easy for every homeowner. You must be proactive here because it’s the main ingredient of your home sweet home’s secret recipe.
Owning a home is more about being smart in every decision, including these systems. One of the smartest moves with HVAC system maintenance is scheduling an inspection. Regular HVAC inspections play an integral role in the upkeep of these systems. Not only this, but these also help improve the equipment’s efficiency with a heads-up on upcoming expenses.
An HVAC system that is not in its best condition can really ‘heat’ things up. So, before you experience this, it is better to get along with the inspections.
Read on to learn how an HVAC inspection can take your comfort to new heights…
What Is HVAC Inspection?
An HVAC system inspection is a checkpoint to ensure the condition of your home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system. These inspections are performed by professional technicians whose precision goes beyond the surface as they evaluate the system’s functionality to better understand its health.
The inspection’s main purpose is to ensure that your HVAC system maintains your home’s efficiency and comfort. You can consider it a preventive step to identify and address potential issues to avoid costly repairs coming your way.
When to Schedule an HVAC Inspection?
Another confusion you might face as a homeowner is when to schedule an HVAC inspection. Most often, yearly inspections are recommended. But there are different scenarios when you surely need to get an inspection.
Noticeable Increase In Utility Bills
Is there a sudden spike in energy bills, and you don’t even have an explanation for that? This is a sign to schedule an HVAC inspection, as these noticeable increases could be due to your system’s inefficiencies. With an inspection, you can identify and address these issues and ensure you’re not paying for the wasted indoor energy.
System Performance Issues
Energy bills are not the only sign highlighting “Hey, you need an HVAC inspection!” There’s more that can indicate this, such as system problems. These issues can be caused by the system’s constant poor airflow or inconsistent temperatures. In this case, an inspection can identify the reason and suggest necessary repairs.
Routine Maintenance
This doesn’t mean the above-mentioned issues are the only events that require an inspection. You should schedule regular/annual HVAC inspections even if you’re not experiencing such obvious issues. This will help you prevent potential issues and ensure that your system is running efficiently.
What to Expect During an HVAC Inspection
It all starts with a trained inspector examining the entire system. They perform an in-depth evaluation of the system’s components, including:
- Thermostat
- Air filters
- Furnace
- Ductwork
They will check for signs of damage or wear. You can also expect the inspector to look for any safety hazards. They will ensure the system’s efficient operation.
There’s more…
Once the inspector completes the inspection, they will provide you with an inspection report. This report will detail their findings and recommendations, and addressing both of these will obviously help you maintain your HVAC system.
HVAC Inspection Checklist
Thermostat
An inspector’s first concern is the thermostat’s accuracy and calibration. They ensure that it accurately reflects the temperature.
The inspectors thoroughly verify it for the proper functioning and programming features. Both are important to set desired temperature schedules at different hours of the day.
Furthermore, the inspection involves checking the battery status. If the batteries are low, their prompt replacement will not interrupt the thermostat operation.
Air Filters
During the inspection, inspectors thoroughly examine air filters. They look for any accumulation of dirt, debris, or clogs that might hinder airflow.
If the inspectors find the filters dirty or clogged, immediate action is recommended. In most cases, you’d need to replace them to prevent reduced system performance and potential damage.
Ductwork
An HVAC system’s ductwork circulates the conditioned air. Therefore, it’s an important component of the inspector’s checklist. During the inspection, inspectors thoroughly examine to identify any leaks, tears, or disconnected sections. All of these issues can lead to energy loss or compromised air quality.
Moreover, inspectors assess the insulation surrounding the ductwork. This is to ensure it meets energy efficiency and thermal comfort standards. Proper insulation helps prevent heat loss or gain as air travels through the ducts.
Also, HVAC inspectors verify that the sealing at duct joints prevents air leaks. Ultimately, this can significantly impact system performance and indoor comfort.
Furnace
Even though furnaces are usually related to heating systems, this is another crucial component of the HVAC inspection checklist.
During the process, HVAC inspectors examine different furnace components to ensure safe and efficient operation. So, during the process, the inspector inspects the heat exchanger for signs of corrosion and cracks.
These inspections also assess the burners’ condition to see if they are clean and ignite properly for efficient combustion.
Moving forward the pilot light is also examined to see that it’s lit consistently and produces a strong flame.
Conclusion
In conclusion, your home’s HVAC system is not only a component. It impacts the comfort, health, and finances of your home.
With regular HVAC inspections, you can ensure its optimum performance, efficiency, and longevity. And better indoor quality is a plus.
Having an in-depth understanding of these inspections is important. But the hack is always to hire an experienced inspection company.
Ready to ensure the safety and efficiency of your home? Schedule your comprehensive inspection with Clatterbuck Inspections today! Don’t wait until problems arise – contact us now to schedule your appointment and keep your home comfortable year-round!