HVAC Inspections: Are They Worth It?

No homeowner wants to get stuck with hefty AC or furnace repair bills, yet HVAC problems never seem to come at a convenient time. One of the simplest and most effective steps you can take towards maintaining the health and function of your home's heating and cooling system is to simply schedule an annual furnace inspection with a reputable HVAC professional.

What an HVAC Inspection Entails

While exact services included with an inspection can vary from one HVAC company to the next, most will include a basic cleaning and general tune-up. This means looking for signs of premature wear and tear, as well as cleaning dusty coils and fan blades. An HVAC professional may also take the time to lubricate moving parts and make general adjustments to improve the function of your home's heating and cooling system.

Reasons to Schedule an HVAC Inspection

A thorough inspection and tune-up can get your furnace and air conditioning in-gear for the colder and warmer seasons. By having each system inspected at least once a year, you can be alerted of signs of issues that may be addressed with a simple, inexpensive repair. Without regular inspections, these problems could go undetected, resulting in larger malfunctions and more expensive repairs down the road.

In addition to possibly helping you avoid the need for unexpected heating and cooling repairs, an inspection can also improve the overall function and efficiency of your unit. This could save you money on your energy bills while keeping your home more comfortable throughout the year!

When to Schedule (And What to Look For)

Ideally, you should have your furnace inspection done before you need to turn the heat on inside your home for the first time during the fall or winter months. Since there's no way to know for sure when this will be, it's generally a good idea to have your inspection done towards the end of summer or beginning of fall. Meanwhile, air conditioning inspections should be scheduled for late winter or early spring to ensure your system is ready for the first sweltering spring or summer day.

When looking for an HVAC company that offers inspections, consider one that will include not only a basic inspection, but additional services like cleaning, lubrication, testing, and other general tune-ups. Typically, you can expect to spend about $200 to $300 annually for furnace and AC inspections. However, some companies may also offer service plans that include plumbing and even electrical system inspections throughout the year at an excellent value. From there, you can rest assured that your home's HVAC system will be ready to perform year-round.

For more information about furnace repair and inspections, contact a local HVAC company.