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The HVAC Inspection

There are 5 major areas in every home.  And no matter how big or how old it is, they are always the same:

1. Foundation
2. Plumbing
3. Roof
4. Electrical
5. HVAC

These 5 areas also make up our Major-Items Inspection and form the basis of our discussion at the end of every inspection because they not only mean the most to me, but to everyone else who’s ever bought a home.

And when it comes to feeling comfortable in your own home, that means the HVAC systems.  These are the things that keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

In Kansas City, that means air conditioners, heat pumps, furnaces, and sometimes even boilers. 

Let’s talk about the basics of what these are, how they work, where you’ll find them, and how long they’ll last.

Then we’ll talk about how they get inspected.

Cooling Equipment

The exterior a/c unit and heat pump (cooling side) are operated, tested, and checked for excessive noise, ice build-up, rust, damage, movement, and cleanliness.

NOTE:  The a/c system and cooling side of heat pump are NOT tested when the outside temperature has been less than 60° for 24 hours straight.

Airflow

This is pretty straightforward. 

The system is operated, tested, inspected, and measured to make sure air is blowing hard enough – and at the proper temperature – through all the vents – especially the ones furthest away from the furnace. 

Ductwork is also inspected for loose, corroded, and disconnected seams.

Heating Equipment

Furnace And Heat Pump (heating side)

Tested and operated for proper operation, rust, water damage, corrosion, dirt, bad ductwork, and excessive noise.

If the furnace is gas fueled, the gas lines are also checked along with any signs of malfunction and Carbon Monoxide hazards.

The furnace and heat pump (heating side) can both be tested (briefly) in the summer.

Boiler

Tested and operated during cooler weather.  In warm weather, a shutoff keeps it from operating while the outside temperature is warmer than the inside temperature. 

Its purge control is checked along with water pipes, flames, vents, and the overflow valve. 

Due their age, many boilers need regular maintenance by a professional HVAC company.

Airflow

This is pretty straightforward. 

The system is operated, tested, inspected, and measured to make sure air is blowing hard enough – and at the proper temperature – through all the vents – especially the ones furthest away from the furnace. 

Ductwork is also inspected for loose, corroded, and disconnected seams.

30 Min. Home Inspection Checklist – Only $18.99

Would YOU Like to Check the Bones Yourself BEFORE the Home Inspection?

This no-nonsense field guide is based on our Major-Items Inspection and will help you decide BEFORE your home inspection if the home has good bones or is just a money pit in disguise.

30 min. checklist cover
30 min. checklist inner pages

13 Pages Fully Illustrated

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Save time and hundreds (sometimes thousands) in wasted home inspection fees.

By finding out for yourself if there are major issues hiding in plain sight BEFORE the home inspection.

Find out for yourself if there are major issues hiding in plain sight BEFORE the home inspection.

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Citys Best Award Badge 2024
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verified veteran owned business