A Checklist for Your Winter HVAC Inspection

As the temperatures drop, now is the perfect time to get your home's heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system ready for winter.

By inspecting your HVAC system thoroughly, you can avoid costly repairs and keep your family comfortable all season long.

Here's a checklist of what to look for when you inspect your HVAC system this winter:

Furnace Inspection Tips:

Check the vents.

Ensure all the vents in your home are open and debris-free.

Closed vents can cause your furnace to overheat, damaging the system or starting a fire.

Inspect the blower belt.

The blower belt is a large rubber band that helps move air through the furnace.

Over time, the belt can become worn or frayed.

If you notice any damage, replace the belt before turning on your furnace for the season.

Clean the blower blades.

The blower blades help circulate air through your home.

They won't work as efficiently if they're covered in dust or debris.

Use a soft cloth to wipe down the blades gently.

Examine the burner flame.

The burner flame should be blue with yellow tips.

If it's primarily yellow or flickering, it could indicate that too much fuel is being delivered to the burner.

This could create a serious safety hazard, so call a professional immediately if you notice anything abnormal.

Check the flue pipe.

The flue pipe carries poisonous gases like carbon monoxide out of your home.

So it's essential to make sure it's in good working order. Inspect the line for cracks or holes that could allow gas to escape your home.

If you find any damage, call a professional to have it repaired or replaced before using your furnace this winter.

AC Unit Inspection Tips:

Clean off the unit.

Start by clearing away any leaves, branches, or other debris that may have collected on top of or around your AC unit during the fall.

Trim back any nearby plants, so they're at least two feet away from the unit—this will help improve airflow and prevent future problems.

Inspect the coils.

The coils inside your AC unit can become dirty over time—and dirty coils can't effectively cool your home.

Clean them off with a garden hose (make sure you disconnect power to the unit first!) and straighten any bent fins with a fin comb—this will help improve airflow and prevent future problems.

During your inspection, also make sure there aren't any leaks in the coil wrap—if there are, call a professional immediately so they can be repaired.

Check for leaks in the Freon lines

These lines connect your AC unit to an outdoor compressor and can develop leaks over time.

To check for leaks, hold a mirror up to each line while someone turns on the power to the unit.

If you see bubbles forming in front of either line, a leak must be fixed by a professional before using your AC this summer.

Conclusion

Inspecting your HVAC system thoroughly will save you money and headaches.

Following this simple checklist, you can avoid costly repairs and keep your family comfortable all winter!

If you require a professional home inspection, give us a call for peace of mind this winter: https://www.greenscenehomeinspections.com/onlinebooking