It’s that time of year again: winter is coming, and you’re wondering how your heating and cooling system is going to hold up against the cold.

If you want to make sure that your furnace, air conditioner, and other systems are working safely and efficiently, you should schedule a professional heating and cooling inspection.

But what exactly is a heating and cooling inspection? How do you know if you need one? And what can you expect from an inspection? We’ve got answers for you!

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about heating and cooling inspections: why they matter, how they work, and why they’re important for keeping your HVAC system running smoothly!

What Is A Heating Inspection?

A heating inspection is a way to get an idea of how well your heating system is working. If you’re looking for a new heating system, an ideal place to begin is an inspection. This will give you an idea of what kind of work needs to be done and how much it will cost. It might also help you decide whether or not you need to replace your current system at all.

It’s important to have an inspection before buying a new heating system because they vary so much in price, efficiency, and function. You won’t know what kind of heating system you want until after you’ve had an inspection done!

6 Importance of Heating System Inspection

There are a few reasons why you should take care of your heating system inspection. If you are not careful, you may end up with many problems in the future. Here are a few reasons why you should take care of your heating system inspection:

Safety

Heating systems are not just important for keeping you warm. They’re also a safety hazard if they aren’t working properly, and a small issue can become a big one if it’s left unaddressed for too long. 

Energy Efficiency

If you don’t have your heating system inspected regularly, it could be costing you money on your energy bill! A system that’s out of date, dirty, or poorly maintained will not be as efficient as a newer model would be. 

System Reliability

If you want to stay warm during the cold winter months, you need to have a reliable heater. A heating system inspection by professionals can help determine whether or not your heater is working properly, which will help you avoid future problems with your home’s heating system.

Prolonged System Lifespan

A heating system inspection in Lodi, CA, can also help prolong the lifespan of your system by detecting any issues early on and allowing them to be addressed before they become more serious problems down the road. This means there will be less chance for damage and breakdown later on down the road—meaning less money spent on repairs!

Improved Indoor Air Quality

When your heating system is inspected and maintained regularly, you can be sure that your indoor air quality will be the best it can be. Regular inspections ensure that any problems with your heating system are caught early on before they become big issues. This means fewer repairs, fewer replacements, and more savings for you in the long run.

Compliance with the Manufacturer’s Warranty

Your heating system is covered under warranty for a certain period of time—but only if it has been properly inspected and maintained during that period. If your warranty is nearing its end date and you haven’t had your heating system inspected even this year, then now is the perfect time to do it! This way, you’ll make sure that your warranty remains valid until its full extent expires and avoid any extra costs down the road.

When Should You Inspect Your HVAC?

It is generally recommended to inspect your HVAC system at least once a year. However, there are certain situations when scheduling an inspection sooner or more frequently may be beneficial. Here are some guidelines:

Annual Inspections

You should have an annual inspection done on all of your heating and cooling systems. This will ensure that the system is working properly and that there aren’t any issues with it. Most companies include this in their maintenance plans, so if you’re already taking advantage of one of those plans, you’ll already be covered!

Seasonal Inspections

If you live in an area where there are seasonal changes (like cold winters or hot summers), then it’s important for both efficiency and safety reasons that you schedule seasonal inspections every few months. This will ensure that your home will always feel comfortable inside, no matter what season it is outside!

New Installations

If you have just moved into a new home or business space, it’s important to ensure everything is working correctly before moving in. This includes having an inspection of your heating and cooling system done by a professional.

Older Systems

If your system is older than 10 years old, it’s probably time for an inspection as well. Old systems tend to wear down over time, leading to high utility bills and more frequent breakdowns. Keeping up with regular maintenance will keep things running smoothly for longer so that when they do break down, repairs will cost less money in the long run!

Performance Issues

When your HVAC isn’t working correctly, it can be hard to tell whether the problem is with the unit itself or something else in your home. If you notice that the temperature in certain rooms is warmer or cooler than others, or if parts of the house are always hotter than others (even when they aren’t supposed to be), then it may be time for an inspection. This can help determine whether there’s an issue with the equipment itself or if there’s an underlying problem like poor insulation that needs to be addressed before you start having issues with energy bills and comfort levels.

Air Quality Concerns

If you’re experiencing any sort of musty smell or mold growth inside your home, this may be an indication that there’s an issue with indoor air quality (IAQ). It’s worth having someone come out and check things out!

Changes in Home or Usage 

When your home is being renovated, or you have new furniture, it’s important to be aware of how those changes might affect your HVAC system. If you notice that the air conditioning isn’t working as well, that could be because of increased humidity from the renovations.

What to Expect During an HVAC Inspection?

It can be a little overwhelming to think about all the things that could go wrong with your HVAC system. But one thing that’s not too hard to understand is the importance of regular inspections.

If you’re not sure what to expect during an inspection, look no further than this handy guide!

Here are some common aspects you can expect during an HVAC inspection by experts like Rellaire:

Visual Inspection

The first step in an HVAC inspection is a visual evaluation of your unit. The inspector will examine the outside of your property to ensure it is in excellent condition. They will look for indicators of damage, water leaks, and other concerns that might be causing your HVAC system to malfunction.

Thermostat Check

The inspector will check the settings on your thermostat to ensure that it is operating correctly and is set to the correct temperature. If there are any issues with your thermostat, they will notify you before leaving so you can take care of them right away.

Electrical Connections

If your HVAC system has been operating for a while, some of the electrical connections are likely to be loose or broken. When this happens, it can interfere with the system’s functionality and even harm it further. A trained heat pump installation and repair specialist will inspect all these connections to ensure they are secure and functional.

Air Filters

You might think that this is a no-brainer, but we’ve seen it all before, dirty air filters! It’s important to keep them clean so they can do their job properly. And if they aren’t doing their job? That means you’re spending more money than necessary on monthly energy bills because your equipment isn’t working as efficiently as possible (or at all).

Ductwork Inspection

The ductwork inspection is one of the most important parts of a full HVAC inspection. It’s a deep dive into the inner workings of your heating and cooling system, which can help you diagnose problems before they become big problems.

Components and Lubrication

The components and lubrication inspection is also pretty important—it helps you understand how your system works, its weak points, and where you might need some TLC to keep it running efficiently.

Refrigerant Levels

You might be asked about how often you’ve changed your air filters and whether or not your home has been insulated. The inspector will also check the refrigerant levels, which will tell them if the system is functioning properly. And if it isn’t? Well, then they’ll have a conversation with you about what needs to be done next.

Condensate Drain

If there’s a leak in your condensate drain line, it could lead to mold growth and other structural issues. So the inspector will make sure that everything is running smoothly by checking out what’s going on under the unit itself.

Safety Controls

HVAC inspections are often performed by technicians who have been trained in the field. This training helps them identify problems with your system, including safety concerns. These safety controls include carbon monoxide detectors, fuses, circuit breakers, and other fire protection measures. It’s important to have any issues with these things addressed immediately.

Performance Testing

The performance testing portion of an HVAC inspection is exactly what it sounds like: a technician tests your system’s efficiency by running it through various series of tests to measure its performance against industry standards. They will check things like airflow, temperature control, humidity levels, cooling capacity, heating capacity, and more. If your system doesn’t meet these standards, then this is another indication that it has to be repaired or replaced.

What Is The Heating Inspection Cost?

The cost of a heating inspection can vary depending on several factors, including the location, the heating system’s size, the inspection’s complexity, and the service provider. Typically, the cost can range from $80 to $150 or more.

In some cases, HVAC service providers may offer discounted rates if the inspection is part of a maintenance package or if you schedule it along with other services. Additionally, if any repairs or additional maintenance tasks are needed during the inspection, there may be additional costs for those services.

It’s always recommended to contact local HVAC service providers and request quotes to get a more accurate estimate of the inspection cost in your specific area.

Home Heating Inspection Checklist for DIY-er

When the weather gets cold, it can be hard to think about anything else. You might wake up in the middle of the night because you’re so cold or spend most of your time indoors bundled up in sweaters and blankets.

Luckily, there are plenty of ways to keep your home warm and cozy without spending a fortune on heating bills. Here is a checklist of tasks you can perform as a DIY-er:

1. Check the thermostat and make sure it is set correctly.

2. Check the filters on your furnace and make sure they are clean and clear of debris, as well as any other components in the system that could be clogged or obstructed by dust buildup.

3. Check your home’s ventilation system to make sure there are no obstructions or holes between rooms or other parts of the home that could cause air flow problems or leaks (e.g., if you have a window open in one room, it’s likely that an adjacent room won’t be getting enough air).

4. Inspect all joints and connections between pipes, ductwork, refrigeration coils, etc., looking for signs of corrosion or cracks that might indicate weakness in these areas which could lead to leakage or other problems down the road.

5. Check for visible damage or leaks.

6. Test and calibrate the thermostat.

7. Look for ductwork damage and seal any gaps.

8. Check vents and registers for proper airflow.

9. Inspect and clean the furnace or boiler.

10. Verify proper operation of safety features.

Contact Rellaire For Heating And Furnace Inspection In Lodi, CA!

Whether you’re looking for a heating inspection in Lodi, CA, or want to hire a heat pump installation and repair specialist, Rellaire is the name you can trust.

We’ve been providing reliable HVAC services for over 20 years, and we know that when it comes to heating inspection, you must get the right kind of equipment installed by the right professionals. That’s why we have everything from heat pump installation to maintenance and repair available 24/7.

We offer:

– Heat pump installation and repair

– System maintenance

– Electrical repair and installation

We are also licensed and insured, so you can rest assured that we know what we’re doing when it comes to installing and repairing heat pumps.

At Rellaire, we understand that your home is one of the most paramount investments you will ever make. That’s why we prioritize ensuring that every service we provide is performed with maximum care and attention to detail.

We’ll come out to your home or business and give you a full inspection. We’ll check everything from the outside of your unit to the inside coils and tell you exactly what needs repair or replacement. We’re happy to offer free estimates on repair work, too!
If you are looking for a reliable professional for Heating Inspections and Services in Lodi who will deliver on time and within budget, then call us today at (815) 477-2600!