HVAC Inspection Checklist: What Homeowners Need to Know

Want to make sure there will be zero problems when the heat arrives in the summer or the cold in winter? The most reliable way to do that is to hire a professional to perform an HVAC inspection once or twice a year. This article explains everything you ought to know about the process.

What Is an HVAC Inspection?

It is a complete examination of your property’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. An HVAC inspection is done by a certified expert who will check all the different components that make the entire system work correctly and as expected. The expert makes sure that the system is working safely and efficiently while being effective and satisfactory to the homeowners or anyone staying in that building.

That was a very brief explanation, right? If you want to know all the details, "What is HVAC Inspection?" is the article you should check out.

When Should You Get an HVAC Inspection?

Let’s find out what the best times to get an HVAC inspection are:

     1. Twice a Year

• Once during the spring to make sure that the AC is going to work fine when summer comes.
  
  
• Once during the fall to make sure that the heating system is going to work fine when winter comes.

2. When Buying or Selling Your House

• An HVAC inspection is strongly recommended when you are buying a new house in order to ascertain that the system is in tip-top shape and ready for the heat and the cold.
  
  
• We also suggest you do the same when you are trying to sell your current house so that the future owners are not going to run into any potential issues. It’s a nice move, and it makes certain that the people moving in are going to be comfortable in their new house.

3. When You Notice Something is Wrong

• Weird or loud noises coming from the vents
• Strange odors
• Weak airflow
• Weak cooling or heating
• Inconsistent temperatures
• Higher energy bills than usual

4. Following Severe Weather

• Storms, floods, extreme colds, etc., can all potentially damage the system; therefore, having your HVAC system checked after such events is probably a good idea.

5. Very Old Systems

• If your HVAC has reached 10 years of age or higher, you definitely want to have it examined since some parts will need repairs or replacements at that point.

What Does an HVAC Inspection Include?

There are many things that will be inspected by the professional(s), and those things typically fall into three categories:

1. Cooling System

• The condenser coils will be examined and cleaned.
• Compressor and refrigerant pressure will be tested.
• The evaporator coil needs to be checked.
• Measuring temperature differentials.
• Checking refrigerant levels and seeing if there are any leaks.
• Inspecting and cleaning the drain lines and pan for clogs or algae buildup.
• Testing capacitors, relays, and electrical connections.
• Checking the AC fan motor.

2. Heating System

• Inspecting and cleaning the furnace burners.
• Testing ignition system and flame sensor.
• Looking for damage in the heat exchanger (especially in gas systems).
• Testing carbon monoxide levels (for gas and oil systems).
• Checking and calibrating the thermostat.
• Inspecting the pilot light or electronic ignition.
• Checking the blower motor and fan belt.
• Inspecting and lubricating moving parts if necessary.

3. Ventilation System

• Inspecting and cleaning the air filters.
• Checking ductwork for leaks, blockages, and damage.
• Inspecting vents and registers for proper airflow.
• Inspecting and cleaning return air grilles.
• Looking for signs of mold, dust, or debris.

A quick note: We have many different types of inspections, and if you ever want to know about them, you can check our other articles, such as "Ceiling Inspection".

Cost of HVAC Inspections in Toronto

There are quite a few things that affect the price of inspections, such as the number of units and complexity of the system, the reputation of the inspection company, the age of the system, etc. Having said that, here is the average HVAC inspection cost you can expect in Toronto:

Benefits of Regular HVAC Inspections

• Better Energy Efficiency: Inspections ensure that your system is running optimally with minimal energy being wasted.
  
  
• Longer HVAC Lifespan: Your system will last longer when you identify the little problems and fix them, not letting them turn into major problems.
  
  
• Breath Cleaner Air: Since inspections typically include cleanings as well, you will have better air quality inside the house.
  
  
• Warranty Stays Valid: Many companies require you to undertake a formal inspection at least once a year.
  
  
• Feeling Comfortable: Probably the most important thing for most people is the fact that they would feel good, comfortable, and safe inside their homes when they know the HVAC system is not going to break down on them when summer heat or the winter cold hits.

If you live in Ontario, Houmse is a great place to seek a home inspection, and you can also have a look at Home Inspection Cost to find out the average prices.

FAQs

1. How often should I have my HVAC system inspected?

Once or twice a year is usually enough, unless there is a sudden problem or something that needs to be addressed as soon as possible.

2. Can I inspect HVAC systems myself?

On your own, you can only really check the vents and clean the filters; the rest should be handed to the professionals.

3. How long does a typical HVAC inspection take?

Well, that depends on the size and complexity of the system, its age, how many parts have issues, if any, etc. Typically, they take one to two hours if there are no severe problems.

4. What happens if my HVAC system fails an inspection?

The expert(s) will give you a full report on what parts need fixing or replacing, and you will give that report to other experts whom you will hire to address them.

Final Thoughts: Keep Your HVAC System Running Efficiently

Overall, it is a very good idea to check on your HVAC system once in a while, and hiring a professional once or twice a year can be quite reassuring. Take your time and read through our article so that you know what you are going to deal with when it comes to HVAC system inspection.