The HVAC market is predicted to reach $35 billion in the next decade. Why? It’s never been more important to be comfortable in your home.

Texas alone has 17.7 million homeowners—61.7% of its population. Though HVAC systems aren’t the only home system to impact homeowners’ comfort, there are actions homeowners can take to keep their central air and heating system humming.

People delay home upgrades and maintenance for two main reasons: time and money. But there’s one other reason and it’s a silent threat—not knowing why HVAC maintenance is so important.

If your HVAC system has not been maintained in while, you’re buying a new home or want a second opinion, an HVAC inspection is a great place to start. Read on for the HVAC inspection checklist all homeowners should have.

What’s an HVAC Inspection Checklist?
Before long, a home can be start talking to you in unavoidable ways. Once symptoms arise, your comfort in the home can be compromised. Don’t wait for discomfort to know what’s going on with your HVAC system.

HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. Learning about HVAC inspections before you get one does the following things:

• Helps you find a trustworthy HVAC company
• Informs your choices around HVAC repairs or HVAC replacements
• Prompts you to ask important questions
• Lets you know what an HVAC technician does inside and outside the home
• Prepares you for optimal maintenance and preventative care

What Types of HVAC Inspections Are Available?
There are three general HVAC inspections that most HVAC companies do, but they might go by different names.

• HVAC Tune-ups – Your HVAC inspection might be called an HVAC tune-up. These tune-ups follow a multi-point inspection of your air conditioner and heater. We recommend them in the fall for your heater and in the spring for your air conditioner. A thorough inspection paired with maintenance often prevents breakdowns.
• HVAC Repair – When your HVAC system isn’t cooling or heating properly, we come out to diagnose the problem by inspecting your system. This type of inspection is focused on fixing the problem, so it is generally not as comprehensive as a tune-up appointment.
• HVAC Inspection – We also offer comprehensive HVAC inspections without the maintenance service. These inspections provide a detailed written audit of the age of the equipment, how the system was installed, how it is performing, and listing any recommendations for repairs or improvements. These types of inspections are perfect for HVAC second opinions and for homeowners who are looking to buy or sell a home. It is often more comprehensive in nature than a typical home inspection. A licensed HVAC technician is a specialist and may be able to tell you about your system’s potential for future repairs. Because your HVAC system investment is only second to your home’s roof, a thorough inspection gives homeowners the information they need when evaluating an HVAC system’s health and longevity.

What HVAC Symptoms Do You Have?
The following details are helpful to point out to your HVAC technician before the inspection begins. Which of the following have you noticed or can you share?

• Any recent maintenance
• Any repairs in the last 10-15 years
• High energy bills
• Inconsistent airflow
• Discomfort in winter and summer seasons
• More allergy symptoms than usual
• Strange odors or sounds
• Thermostat malfunctions

Among environmental health concerns, a home is supposed to be your haven. Poor air quality and circulation not only compromise your comfort, but they pose severe health concerns.

Breathing in dust, mold and indoor pollutants isn’t good for anyone—even those without allergies. There’s no reason for your home to be a threat to your immune system.

You don’t have to know what any of these symptoms mean, per se. That’s our job. Once you observe and report them, this helps your HVAC technician pinpoint the best way to proceed.