One of the best ways to ensure you’re not paying more than you need to for energy is to have your HVAC system optimized by a qualified heating and air conditioning contractor. Optimizing your system will result in lower heating bills during the winter as well as lower air conditioning costs when the weather gets warm. In a city like Toronto, HVAC systems are in near-constant use and if they’re not in prime condition they could be burning through 10-20% more fuel than is necessary.
HVAC inspections are an essential step in ensuring the home’s comfort and efficiency.
Performing HVAC maintenance can feel overwhelming if you’re not sure what to check. That’s where an HVAC inspection checklist comes in handy, providing a clear and systematic approach to evaluate the functionality and efficiency of a home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.
To help ensure that you or the HVAC technicians you hire cover all the critical components, we’ve compiled this HVAC Inspection Checklist for your reference.
Regular HVAC inspections provide long-term benefits for homeowners. Identifying small issues before they escalate into expensive problems not only helps you avoid emergency repairs but can also extend the lifespan of your HVAC system.
A well-maintained HVAC system operates more efficiently, which leads to lower energy consumption and reduced utility bills. Inspections help ensure the system remains clean, calibrated, and functioning optimally, maximizing energy efficiency and cost savings.
An HVAC inspection is a thorough evaluation of both the indoor and outdoor components of your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system. While HVAC systems may vary, certain checks should be performed for all units. These include:
Inspect burners, heat strips, spark igniters, flame sensors, evaporator coils, condenser coils, and condensate drain lines.
Check air filters for dust, dirt, or ice buildup that may hinder airflow. Regular cleaning or replacement is crucial for maintaining air quality.
Inspect the blower motor and fan blades for wear. Lubricate moving parts and ensure proper operation and airflow.
Check condensate drain lines for clogs and clear any blockages to prevent water damage and mold growth.
Inspect electrical connections, wiring, and components for wear or corrosion. Tighten connections and replace any damaged parts.
Measure the system’s pressure and charge to ensure energy efficiency and prolong the system’s lifespan.
Inspect ducts and insulation for damage, leaks, or blockages. Ensure proper sealing to prevent air leaks and ensure optimal airflow.
Condition of the External Unit: Inspect the outdoor unit for visible damage or corrosion. Check for refrigerant leaks, ensure proper drainage, and confirm the unit is level and securely mounted.
Clear Debris: Remove any debris or vegetation around the unit to ensure at least 2 feet of clearance for airflow.
Air Conditioner: Clean condenser coils and check refrigerant lines for leaks. Ensure the coils are free of dirt and debris.
Heat Pump: Inspect the outdoor coils for ice, dirt, or debris. Check the defrost cycle and ensure proper operation of the reversing valve. Confirm the pump is elevated and not exposed to pooling water.
HVAC systems should be inspected at least once a year, preferably in spring or fall, to ensure they’re ready for seasonal changes. Some homeowners opt for biannual inspections, one in the spring before the cooling season, and one in the fall before heating begins.
If you’ve installed a new HVAC system or replaced major components, an inspection shortly after installation is recommended to ensure everything is functioning properly. After that, return to annual inspections unless otherwise advised by your HVAC technician.
Always follow the manufacturer’s maintenance guidelines to maintain warranty coverage and ensure longevity. Regular inspections help catch small issues early, optimize system performance, and prevent costly breakdowns.
While DIY inspections and basic maintenance are manageable for most homeowners, some situations require professional expertise. Here are scenarios where calling a licensed HVAC technician is essential:
Issues like compressor failures, refrigerant leaks, or electrical malfunctions require professional intervention. DIY repairs can worsen the problem or pose safety risks.
Proper installation of a new HVAC system or replacement of major components requires technical knowledge to ensure equipment is sized and installed according to specifications.
Gas furnaces carry safety risks, including carbon monoxide leaks. Professional technicians are trained to inspect and maintain these systems safely.
Ductwork inspections and repairs need specialized equipment to detect leaks or blockages. A technician can assess and recommend necessary repairs for optimal airflow.
Regular tune-ups performed by professionals help maximize your system’s lifespan and performance. Technicians ensure that everything is in top working order.
If you think your heating and air conditioning system is not running as efficiently as it could, or if it’s been some years since you had your system inspected by a qualified HVAC contractor, call Tropic Air to schedule one of our technicians to pay a visit and optimize your system for you. You’ll not only save on energy but you’ll stave off expensive emergency air-conditioning repairs in the future and help ensure a long, effective life for your entire system.
The HVAC system in your Toronto home is quite a thing. A combination of old and new ideas works together to maintain an ideal climate year-round. A century ago such a system would have been considered impossible. Today, we take it for granted. We should never take it so much for granted though that we delay necessary repairs or maintenance. Doing so could set in motion other issues that will foster and cause bigger problems in the long run.
If you were to conduct a poll of HVAC professionals in Toronto and ask them what single thing is most important when it comes to avoiding emergency furnace repairs, 100% of them will likely say ‘regular preventive furnace maintenance’. Regular maintenance will keep the goods running perfectly and identify any minor issues or anomalies before they morph into big problems. You should have a technician check out your furnace at least twice a year.
The winter time itself is no time to have the HVAC contractor in to service your furnace. Instead, schedule your annual furnace service for September or at the latest, October. This will ensure that everything is in tip-top shape to face the coming winter.
Once winter is firmly behind you it’s a good time to have the technician in to see what, if any, impact all those long hours and days of having the furnace cranked had on the unit. April or even May are good times to do this ‘spring cleaning’ of your system. If there are any issues you don’t want them lingering as you head into the peak air conditioning months.
If at any time you hear noises coming from various parts of your HVAC system or you smell unusual odors or anything else that seems abnormal or makes you stop and take notice, don’t delay. Call your HVAC contractor right away and explain the situation. They may determine that it’s nothing to worry about or they may need to take a look. For the sake of the long-term health of your system let them come and have a look.
If you or someone else in the house begins to develop allergy-like symptoms – sneezing, watery eyes, headaches, etc – call your HVAC contractor without delay. All manner of allergens, including mold, can invade your system and cause reactions. Remember, mold is no joke. Several kinds are known to be dangerous to human health. The longer you wait the longer the misery of the person suffering the reaction.
An ounce of prevention truly is worth a pound of cure. Besides warding off problems during the peak winter and summer seasons regular maintenance will also help keep your system running at maximum efficiency year-round which will save you plenty in the long run. Keep in mind too that there is likely a clause in your furnace warranty that states said warranty is void if you don’t conduct regular furnace maintenance.
We’ll give you seven good reasons why you should have your system checked out or serviced this month.
HVAC Contractors are usually not very busy this time of year. That means when you call, they will be able to come right away and they will be available at a time of day that’s convenient for you! If you wait until the weather gets warmer, heating and air conditioning technicians will be in greater demand and you might have to wait longer for them to come.
It might be necessary to shut down your Furnace system for an hour or more to service/clean it. You will be much more comfortable if you do this on a mild day rather than a hot or cold one. Your HVAC Contractor will also appreciate the chance to work outside on a nice day!
If your HVAC Contractor discovers a problem with your air conditioning system, they will be able to fix it easier now when parts are fully stocked and technicians aren’t busy. Dealing with an air conditioning unit service later might mean a delay and it can take longer if your AC (air conditioning unit) needs repairs.
Getting your system cleaned and serviced now before you need the Air Conditioning will help it to work more efficiently starting from that first hot day.
A system with room to breathe produces good quality air for the entire building, however, the more items sitting near your HVAC system, the more dust will be allowed to settle. These dust particles will be recycled into the airflow – lowering the quality of air in your building. Dust is a huge no-no for ventilation and heating systems.
A cluttered system is a furnace contractor’s worst nightmare. There is nothing more challenging than attempting a system repair or cleaning in a room where there is hardly enough space to move. If the area around your ventilation system is full of junk then it will take the contractor double the time to work.
Look. If you have a HVAC system at home or at work then you know when it’s not working correctly. It’s swelteringly hot outside and your ventilator is supposed to be cooling down the office but for some reason, it has stopped. You call the Air-conditioning contractor and 99% of the time you can be sure they will tell you it’s a problem with the airflow. This easily resolved problem can be utterly avoided by simply making sure there is nothing in the vicinity that could lead to the vents becoming jammed and causing serious furnace repairs or ac repairs!
At the other end of the spectrum we have another more sinister problem – fires. In 2010, an NFPA report found that air conditioning, fans, or related equipment were involved in an estimated 7,400 reported U.S. home structure fires and caused $207 million in direct property damage. They found that in the vast majority of cases, the fires were caused by clutter in the areas surrounding the HVAC room. For your safety please avoid storing linens, or any combustibles, especially paint, gas, or ammonia-based products, near the heating or ventilation unit.
Having your furnace units in crowded areas can hurt the environment and your wallet, too. The lack of airflow makes the machine work double-time and as a result, uses more energy which increases your bill at the end of the month.
A cluttered ventilation system can lead to health issues. Contaminants such as pet hairs or odors can lead to mold, which is then released into the building’s atmosphere. In addition to ensuring your unit is clutter-free, it is advised to call an HVAC contractor’s Advice and have your unit inspected frequently. If you or someone you know begins to experience respiratory problems or allergies out of the blue – it may be time to have your air conditioner (AC) units serviced.
Tropic Air has been providing outstanding customer service in both the residential and business sectors since 1992. That’s over 30 years of experience dealing with installing and troubleshooting fireplace, boiler, or furnace installation and repairs in Toronto so you can sleep easy knowing that any issues you may have will be professionally taken care of.