Understanding HVAC Systems: What Inspectors Look For

Cleveland home inspectors serve a vital role in helping buyers and sellers in real estate transactions to make the best decisions about properties that are for sale. A professional inspection should always aim to provide a comprehensive and objective analysis of a home's condition. When inspecting HVAC systems, industry standards and relevant state requirements are key. Here’s what inspectors are looking for when they inspect your HVAC system.

HVAC Inspections

During a home inspection, our Cleveland home inspectors always thoroughly review every aspect of the home’s major systems and components, including the heating and cooling systems. The components that we focus on when inspecting an HVAC system include: 

• furnace
• air cleaning parts
• ductwork
• electronic monoxide testing
• electric gas sniffer testing
• air conditioner and lines
• other visible related HVAC components

The following is a breakdown of what we typically do when inspecting an HVAC system:

Visual Inspection: looking for superficial problems, usually related to age and/or performance, verifying that all components are in working order–we will also check over service records if available

Testing the Systems: after a visual inspection, home inspectors will measure performance based on whether the system reacts as it should and it working as expected–criteria will vary based on the type of system/fuel source, and typically the system tested (AC vs heat) will correspond to the time of year

Testing Components: Cleveland home inspectors will examine the thermostat for accuracy and responsiveness, ductwork for air flow and leakage, as well as looking for general signs of wear and tear

While a home inspector is knowledgeable about all the systems and components involved in a properly functioning HVAC system, they do not inspect every major component. Their inspection is a visual, non-invasive assessment that generally excludes internal, concealed or specialized parts, like a heat exchanger, flue interiors, underground fuel tanks, or specialized air filters. Oftentimes, outward symptoms can point to internal issues, which a buyer or seller can follow up on after receiving the inspection report. For a more specific, in-depth HVAC inspection, a qualified HVAC contractor can assist.

Commonly Found HVAC Issues

When our Cleveland home inspectors take a look at homes, there are some common issues that they see again and again. These often include the following:

• Dirty or neglected filters that limit airflow
• Aging systems near the end of their service life
• Condensate line clogs resulting in water damage or mold
• Inadequate maintenance and reduced efficiency and lifespan 
• Unsealed or damaged ductwork that leaks and is inefficient
• Faulty electrical connections and improper thermostat calibration

HVAC Maintenance Recommendations

More often than not, a lack of maintenance is at the root of many HVAC issues. Age of components and lifespan of the system itself are also common culprits for failing functionality. Skipped annual service appointments leave a system vulnerable to dirty buildup and can result in inefficiencies and premature component failure. 

Our Cleveland home inspectors recommend the following HVAC maintenance tasks:

• Regularly change air filters per manufacturer recommendations
• Clear debris, leaves, and vegetation from around the outdoor unit
• Ensure supply and return vents have clear air flow
• Check the condensate line for clogs
• Listen for unusual noises and check for strange odors
• Twice annual professional inspections/service/safety checks

If you stick to this general maintenance guidance, you will always have eyes and ears on the HVAC system and can catch minor issues before they become major problems. 

Your Local Home Inspector in Cleveland, Ohio

At Keystone Home Inspections, our professional inspectors are dedicated to accuracy and thoroughness. We provide clients involved in real estate transactions with a comprehensive and objective analysis of a home's condition, ensuring that they have a good idea of both good and potential bad points. Our inspection checklist references industry standards and relevant state requirements, and we are happy to offer maintenance advice.

Beyond home HVAC inspections, we also offer targeted services for mold inspection in Cleveland and lead inspection for Cleveland homes, along with other common environmental hazards. For a Cleveland home inspector that you can trust, call on Keystone Home Inspections, proudly serving Cuyahoga, Geauga, and Lake counties in Ohio. Contact us today to learn more about our inspection services or feel free to schedule an inspection online.