Has your HVAC system been inspected, or are you planning on the same? If yes, you’ve made a wise decision. HVAC inspections aim to boost the system’s efficiency, diagnose issues, and repair them accordingly. That said, scheduling a biannual HVAC inspection is vital to ensure the system functions at its best throughout the year.
If you haven’t yet had your system inspected, primarily in your presence, or you’ve just installed a new system, you might not know what to expect during the inspection. If that’s the case, don’t despair. By the time you’re through reading this article, you’ll understand most things regarding HVAC inspection. Among the things you should expect include the following:
Assessment Of How Efficient Is Your Heating And Cooling System
HVAC contractor Porter, TX uses HVAC inspections to determine whether the system is functioning optimally and meeting your current needs. The system’s efficiency depends on its condition, installation, and size. If the system is dirty or malfunctioning, it has no choice but to work harder to meet your home’s requirements, consuming extra running fuel that affects your monthly energy bills.
If your system isn’t correctly sized to fit your home’s requirements, it’s likely to consume too much energy or fail to meet your needs, affecting your comfort. Fortunately, HVAC inspection will assess every aspect of the system and pinpoint issues that require attention. The inspector will disclose what needs cleaning, repair, and replacement to ensure the system functions as good as new.
An HVAC only requires cleaning, lubricating, and insignificant repairs to run well. If it requires more than this, for example, if the system isn’t correct-sized for your home, your technician will advise on the best action to take, even if it means replacing the entire system.
Generally, expect your HVAC technician to perform the following services:
- Thermostat calibration
- Lubricate necessary parts
- Check coolant level and pressure
- Clean the evaporator coil and condensate drains
- Inspect the system and tighten necessary parts such as wiring, contacts, relays, and capacitors
- Inspect and clean the condenser, fan motors, and blades
When Should You Schedule HVAC Inspection?
Every homeowner should schedule an HVAC inspection at least twice a year. In short, the inspection should be done at the beginning of every heating and cooling season. However, if your HVAC isn’t working perfectly, you can also schedule an inspection regardless of the timing.
This video provides information on things to look out for to determine if you require an HVAC inspection: https://www.youtube.com/@guysairconditioningandheat935/videos.
While it’s okay to schedule the inspection any time of the year, you want your heating and cooling system to work efficiently before the weather gets too hot or cold. Once your HVAC system is inspected, you don’t have to worry about it malfunctioning since each issue is diagnosed and corrected.
How Long Does The Inspection Last?
The time an HVAC inspection lasts depends on the system’s size and the issues’ severity. In most cases, an inspection is more likely to last up to an hour. However, if the refrigerant is needed, the time might go up by 30 minutes. Once the inspection is done, your HVAC technician will provide you with the checklist and advice on the way forward. All in all, expect the inspection to last until everything is assessed and a perfect solution is determined.
How Should You Prepare For The Inspections?
Before the inspection, you need to do two things for a smooth procedure. First, you must be home during the inspection or have someone around since the technicians will need someone to show them around. Secondly, you need to do the following before the technician’s arrival:
- Clear the Area Around the Unit: Whether or not you’ve scheduled an HVAC inspection, it’s always right to clear the area around your system. Remove the cobwebs on the system and every debris present. While this move seems insignificant, it greatly ensures your system runs efficiently and prevents premature breakdowns.
- Create Pathways for Vents, Filters, and Other Components: The technicians will require access to the mentioned areas; hence, you must create a clear pathway toward them.
- Restraint Your Pets: Pets love playing around people. If they do so without technicians being aware of their presence, they risk getting injured. That said, ensure to restrain your pets or have someone to watch over them.
What Follows After The Inspection?
Once the technician is done with the inspections, they’ll report their findings to you. Besides disclosing the issues they’ve encountered, they’ll also recommend what needs to be done. While they might perform minor repairs, they might need to schedule extensive maintenance to ensure the system performs better. Remember, you shouldn’t ignore the technician’s recommendations regarding repairing and replacing some HVAC components since they’re trained to pinpoint potential hazards that might result from a malfunctioning system.
How Much Does HVAC Cost?
The heating and cooling maintenance costs differ depending on the contractors. However, annual maintenance might cost you a flat fee between USD$75 and USD$200. Nevertheless, if your system requires substantial repairs, it might cost as much as USD$2,000 to USD$3,000 for more complex parts.
Can HVAC Inspection Save You Money?
The answer is yes. Though the tune-up will cost you a small upfront cost, it can’t be compared with how much you’ll save in the long run. If you fail to schedule regular inspection maintenance, you’re more likely to deal with a failed compressor, blown capacitor, or clogged drain line. With professional inspection, these issues will be a thing of the past. As a result, you save the money you could have used to do the repairs. Additionally, when the system functions perfectly, you enjoy a reduced electricity bill, a prolonged system lifespan, and comfortable indoor air during summer and winter.
Conclusion
A serviced heating and cooling system is your best bet in preventing breakdowns, regular repairs, and reduced monthly utility bills. You don’t want your system to fail when you need to heat or cool your home. That said, it’s vital to hire reputable HVAC contractors to inspect your system to determine if it’s in good condition and prescribe the best solution. With this, rest assured that your HVAC system won’t fail you when you need it the most.
