You're well aware that you need to have an HVAC inspection in Houston done on a routine basis. However, you're left wondering what's that entails and if it's worth the money.
An HVAC inspection in Houston done by the right HVAC contractors follows a specific process. To ensure nothing is overlooked, a thorough check of all the components of your heating and cooling equipment is required. When done correctly, it should include assessments of the electrical components, filters, moving parts, safety features, pressures, and more.
The first thing a professional HVAC contractor in Houston is going to do is take a look at your thermostat. It is the central operational point of your heating and cooling systems. Your inspector will check to make sure that all the on/off functions are working. He or she will also check the temperature control settings. You'll see them clean the unit out too to get rid of any debris or dust that could cause the device to malfunction.
Your HVAC contractors will ask you to turn off the power to your heating and cooling units. If not, they will have you direct them to the breaker box so they can. This step must be done to keep everyone safe during the inspection process. Your air conditioner and furnace have moving parts that could cause injury if they turn on while someone is working on them.
Next, your expert HVAC contractor in Houston will take the time to clean your unit on the outside thoroughly. It usually involves carefully vacuuming or brushing away dust, leaves, and other materials. He or she can then open up the system without worrying about the debris falling into it while the delicate components are exposed.
The fins are a crucial component of your HVAC unit. They not only have to be clean, but each one also must be straight. For incredibly dirty fins, a contractor will use a powerful cleaning agent. A pressure washer should never be implemented during this part of the HVAC inspection in Houston because it could bend the fins.
If your HVAC contractor does discover any unevenness in your fins, he or she will straighten them using a selective fin-straightening tool.
When your HVAC unit was installed, there probably wasn't any landscaping in the area. However, over time, plants and shrubs grow and take over areas they didn't before. Ideally, you should have at least two feet of open space around your exterior HVAC system to prevent the vegetation from causing problems. During a fall or early winter HVAC inspection in Houston of an air conditioning unit, your maintenance company will cover the device with a tarp or other materials. It's done for protection while not in use.
You know that no matter what you do, you can't stop the Earth from naturally shifting. As a result, your air conditioner moves with it. When the unit isn't straight, the compressor can fail prematurely. Shims, props, or other arrangements can be implemented to get your HVAC system on even ground again to prevent that from happening.
The HVAC contractor that is completing your HVAC inspection in Houston will spend a decent amount of time cleaning your evaporator coil. Then the technician will check the flow of runoff water. If the evaporator drain gets clogged, you could have issues like flooding that result in a failed system and costly repairs or a complete replacement. Depending on the severity of the clog, the debris might have to be sucked out with a vacuum or cleared away using other professional tools. It's extremely beneficial to have an expert on call in the event you need air conditioning repair in Houston.
Your HVAC system filters have to be replaced regularly to keep equipment running efficiently and energy costs down. Experts say it should be done every one to three months, but six months is maximum. It is one of the last steps of your HVAC inspection in Houston.
Your ductwork is nearly as important as your HVAC systems themselves. It's where airflow happens. Your HVAC contractor will check all your ductwork looking for leaks or clogs. He or she will also open all your registers removing anything that could disrupt the movement of your controlled air.
The very last thing a professional HVAC contractor should do when doing their inspection correctly is restoring all the components to their original positioning. Quality HVAC companies will clean up all their messes too so you won't have to. When they're done, you can turn the power back on with peace of mind knowing your systems are ready for whatever weather comes your way!