HVAC Inspection & Maintenance Checklist

How to Boost Your Heating and Cooling System’s Efficiency

Regular maintenance of your HVAC system is key to ensuring it runs efficiently and doesn’t waste energy. But what does an HVAC inspection involve and why is it good to have one?

During routine maintenance appointments, HVAC contractors will typically follow an HVAC inspection checklist to ensure that they review and – if needed – repair each part of the system. This checklist is standardized, so you can expect the same service from any contractor, no matter which company they work for. 

In this post, we’ll review a typical HVAC inspection checklist, offer tips to help you maintain your system and let you know what to expect from a planned maintenance appointment.

What Are The 4 Phases of Planned HVAC Maintenance?

HVAC maintenance is typically divided into 4 parts: routine maintenance, the pre-start inspection, operational checks and troubleshooting.

• Routine maintenance involves clearing away dust, debris and other pollutants from the components of your HVAC system. This ensures that your system keeps running efficiently.
• Pre-start inspections are a quick once-over that the HVAC contractor does before undertaking the main part of the inspection to ensure the system is safe to inspect. 
• Operational checks are conducted to make sure that every component of your system is working correctly and efficiently. 
• Troubleshooting is only done if the unit is not functioning correctly. The purpose is to determine the source of the problem and fix it, if possible.

HVAC Pre-Service Checklist

Having your HVAC system inspected regularly is key to keeping it running smoothly, but there are things that you should do before you call the HVAC contractor. 

Here is a list of what should be done before a system inspection:

• If you rent, ask your landlord for permission to have the HVAC unit serviced.
• Remove everything from around your system.
• Know where all the units are.
• Make sure an adult is available to legally allow entry to the home.
• Lock pets away from the units so they don’t get in the contractor’s way.
• Jot down the model numbers for all units.
• Be available to answer the phone since many contractors confirm their appointment that way.
• Prepare a document containing information on all previous service appointments.
• If your units are in a crawl space or attic, make sure they are accessible.
• Be able to explain the problems you’ve had with the system or unit(s).
• Note when any problem(s) started.
• Perform basic troubleshooting yourself.
• Check the air filter.
• If the heat pump or A/C is frozen, unplug it so it can thaw before the contractor gets there.
• Be able to make payment.

4 Reasons to Get an Inspection

No matter how good your HVAC system is, it may sometimes need repairs. After all, parts will wear out over time, or become damaged from regular use. Identifying necessary repairs isn’t the only reason to have your system inspected, however. 

Here are four reasons to book an inspection:

1. Inspections prevent breakdowns by identifying problems. Addressing the issue before it becomes a problem can save money down the road. 
2. Regular maintenance boosts your system’s efficiency. An HVAC contractor can identify and repair faulty components or leaks, quickly and efficiently.
3. Regular maintenance improves your indoor air quality. The main function of your A/C is to filter the air you breathe. During an inspection, the HVAC contractor will take the opportunity to clear dust and debris from your system.
4. Regular inspections increase the life expectancy of the unit. By thoroughly inspecting and maintaining the unit, an HVAC contractor can ensure the unit remains functional for as long as possible.

What Happens During Regular HVAC Maintenance?

It’s a good idea to know what you can expect from your HVAC contractor during a regular maintenance appointment so that there are no surprises. The first thing you should know is that standard maintenance in the hot season is different from the cold season.

HVAC Maintenance for the Hot Season

• Checking each component for dust and debris, mold and leaks. 
• Cleaning the evaporator and condenser.
• Cleaning the filters.
• Cleaning the drain lines and pans.
• Checking the humidity levels, the thermostat and controls for proper function.
• Checking the fan components.
• Lubricating all moving components.
• Replacing worn-out parts.
• Inspecting electrical parts and connections, replacing batteries.

HVAC Maintenance for the Cold Season

• Checking the heating components for functionality.
• Changing the filters on the heating units.
• Cleaning the drain lines and pans.
• Checking the thermostat and controls for correct function.
• Checking the fan components.
• Lubricating moving components.
• Replacing worn-out parts
• Checking electrical components and connections, replacing batteries.
• Checking for gas leaks and inspecting the flue gas passages.

HVAC Maintenance You Can Do Yourself

As with most maintenance around the home, there are some jobs that only a professional should do. However, there are also some things you can do yourself to keep your HVAC system running efficiently.

These maintenance tasks should be done approximately every 3-4 months to keep the components of your system working efficiently.

• Vacuum. Vacuuming the evaporator coils and condenser units will help keep them free of debris that can cause your system to work harder than it should.
• Check for leaks. Checking for leaky ducts and repairing them as needed will prevent a system breakdown.
• Inspect the filters. An HVAC contractor will replace your filter for you during an inspection, but you can make sure they don’t become clogged in between inspections.
• Clean the fan components. If the fan gets dusty, it can cause the filters to become clogged, which means the air in your home isn’t being filtered properly.
• Check the insulation. Broken or patchy insulation means that the unit won’t be able to attain or maintain the correct temperature for your home.

Seek Help from an HVAC Expert for Advice and Inspections

Lockhart Industries provides heating and cooling solutions for homes and businesses across southern Vancouver Island, BC. Offering emergency heating repair services, as well as preventive maintenance and annual tune-ups, Lockhart Industries can help keep your HVAC running efficiently.

Contact us today to book an inspection or set up a regular maintenance plan with one of our HVAC professionals. We look forward to hearing from you.