An HVAC system provides heating, ventilation, and cooling in homes, commercial spaces, construction sites, and any other indoor space where fresh air is needed. The system replaces exhausted indoor air with fresh air from outside.

With a good HVAC system, you can filter out odors, dust, bacteria, carbon dioxide, smoke, and other debris found in the air. It is also responsible for temperature control during cold and hot weather. In basements, tunnels, and other enclosed spaces, an HVAC system circulates oxygen and removes carbon dioxide.

Most people do not think about the HVAC system until they wake up one day and it does not work. Installing a good system is important. This is because maintenance requirements and costs for a good HVAC system should be minimal. Maintenance is also important because it prevents the system from breaking down. Your HVAC technician can provide you with a checklist of tasks to maintain your system. These include adjustments, cleaning, testing, and replacing some filters after a while.

These are simple tasks that you can do on your own. However, you still need a technician to come over to conduct a full inspection of the efficiency of your system. For commercial buildings, HVAC inspection is a routine job. For a home setup, inspection varies with the use and the needs of the system. Either way, you still need to know when an inspection is needed. Here are tips on when to schedule an HVAC inspection.

If It Shows Signs of Malfunction

Ideally, you should not wait until your HVAC system malfunctions to schedule an inspection. However, sometimes the problem sneaks up on you and you have to deal with it. Sometimes, a malfunction can be from something simple, such as low batteries. Other times, it can be a major issue. A thermostat malfunction, slow fans, dirty coils, and an outdated HVAC design can result in malfunctions.

If It Emits Odors

Your HVAC system should be responsible for supplying your building with fresh and clean air. If you smell something weird, then it’s time for an inspection. You may be having a mold problem. Also, animals can crawl up in your system and die there, causing bad odors. If your evaporator coils have gathered dirt, they can also cause odd smells.

If Your Electricity Bill Is Too High 

Generally, your HVAC system uses a lot of power. However, if you notice an odd spike in consumption, then something is off with it. If the air filters are dirty, your system may be overworking and consuming too much power. Air duct leakage, failing motors, low refrigerant levels, and lack of proper maintenance can cause your system to overwork.

If the Air Is the Wrong Temperature

Nothing tells you that you need to call the inspection crew like waking up on a winter morning in a freezing house. Temperature imbalances can be caused by a variety of issues. Examples include blocked vents, air duct inefficiency, poor insulation, and air leakage. A room that has too many windows and doors can cause a temperature imbalance from air leakage.

If It Makes a Funny Noise

A normal HVAC system makes a soft humming noise. Don’t ignore any unusual noises coming out of your system. If you hear any banging, loud buzzing, clanking, clicking, squealing, or high-pitched screeching, it’s time to schedule an inspection.

If It Leaks Fluid

Most HVAC systems are fluid-based. They use liquid refrigerant flowing through pipes to control temperatures. The system should maintain a closed loop to function normally. A small amount of water can leak out of your system due to condensation. However, large amounts of water, oil, and fluid leakage are not normal.

Pro Inspection Tip

Your system should have a routine check at least once a year. The best time to schedule a routine inspection is not when you need the system most. Most people call the maintenance team when they are at the height of extreme weather. If you want to check on your system, do it during the fall or spring. If you wait to do it in the middle of summer or winter, you are likely to be frustrated since most technicians are fully booked during those seasons.