Regardless of the time of year or the weather, it’s always a good idea to make sure that your HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system is in proper shape.  When your HVAC system goes down, it can make your house and your life uncomfortable very quickly!

To prevent problems like this, it’s important to get your HVAC system inspected regularly.  This will not only save you those costly repair bills later on, but it will guarantee that you are getting the most out of your system and that it is operating at peak proficiency at all times.  So, what all goes into an inspection like this?

 

Inspecting the outdoor unit

Because the outdoor part of your system is, well, outdoors, it is very susceptible to problems related to the elements and nature.  This means it can get dirty or damaged much easier than indoor units.  A good outdoor inspection will include the following:

• Clean out dirt, debris, leaves, and any other objects that might have found their way into the unit
• Inspect the unit to make sure it is leveled properly, adjusting if needed.
• Inspect the fan blades for wear, damage, or dirt, cleaning if needed.
• Inspect all wiring. Since weathering and animals can damage wires, this is especially important.
• Inspect all other components such as coils, tubing, compressors, controls, and other electrical parts.

 

Inspecting the indoor unit

The good news is the indoor unit is much more protected from damage because of its placement.  The bad news is it can still have problems.  Age, temperature, and unwelcome pests can all cause the indoor unit to experience wear and tear.  A good inspection of the indoor unit will include the following:

• Check the filters. The air filters in your HVAC unit are crucial, and are often one of the biggest sources of aggravation.  Faulty filters can plug up the entire system.  Filters should be inspected.
• Inspect the ductwork for breaks and leaks. A hole in your ductwork can be very costly in the long run!
• Inspect and clean out drainage system including the drain pan and lines.
• Examine all components to make sure they are working and in order. This includes the blower and motor assembly, control box, wiring, and coils

 

Running the system

Lastly, the system needs to be tested.  A thorough examination will include running it, checking the system for various features, including:

• Refrigerant charge. Do you have the proper level of refrigerant in your system?
• Are all vents blowing out consistently and at a satisfactory rate?
• Electrical concerns. Is the system working too hard? Or not hard enough?

 

This is just a sample of what goes into a proper inspection of your HVAC system.  If you are looking to get your system inspected, there’s no better time than right now!  Contact us today to set up an appointment.