What To Expect During an Air Conditioner Inspection

Your air conditioner works hard throughout spring, summer, and early autumn to condition the air flowing throughout your home or business. Annual inspections ensure that it works as expected throughout these seasons. They help HVAC technicians determine what maintenance services to provide to protect your unit from expensive repairs in the future. 

As a provider of trusted AC maintenance in Lubbock, TX, our team at On The Double Heating & Cooling can confirm that an HVAC inspection is a great way to prolong your system’s service years. But what should you expect during an air conditioner inspection service? Learn more about what HVAC technicians do during a system inspection below.  

Complete Checklist of Inspection Points

An experienced technician typically divides an inspection service into four different points:

  • Safety
  • Electrical
  • Efficiency
  • General system

During each checkpoint, they’ll confirm that each component works as it should and that you can safely continue using your HVAC unit.

Sometimes, they encounter issues like debris collection or small component problems. They’ll then perform minor repairs or maintenance services as needed. 

HVAC Safety Components

When the technician checks your system for safety, they confirm that your system will operate without threatening the health or safety of your home and family. Some of the areas they inspect include:

  • Carbon monoxide leaks: CO2 is toxic to people and animals and has serious health consequences. 
  • Surge protectors: Power surges often follow outages, leading to fire hazards or an electrical overload. Surge protectors prevent these issues. 
  • Debris and grime: Debris inhibits some component functions. It can also lead to overheating and fire hazards. 
  • Safety components: Air conditioners feature numerous safety features. The technician ensures those features function as expected.  
  • Limits and safety controls: The technician will assess the safety controls and limit switches to see whether they pick up on stimuli correctly. 

Electrical Networks

Next, your technician will move on to assessing the electrical connections. These connections ensure that your HVAC unit receives messages from the thermostat and power from the power grid. They also ensure the system has a solid connection throughout the house. 

Some tasks the technician performs include:

  • Thermostat calibration and assessments
  • Inspections to ensure the blower motor powers on and off as expected
  • Fuse and wire inspections to confirm secure connections
  • Outdoor unit connection inspection
  • Inspections for rust, corrosion, and other damage on contactors and capacitors
  • Amp tests for fan motors, blower motors, and compressor
  • Tightening any loose connections

Performance Efficiency

The air conditioner inspection then moves to performance checks. Your HVAC system’s efficiency directly impacts your monthly energy bills. The following inspection points influence your home’s energy efficiency:

  • Drain line clearance
  • Coil cleanliness
  • Pressure controls
  • Supply and return vent differentials
  • Refrigerant and coolant levels
  • Drip pan and condensate drain conditions
  • Air handler and compressor operation
  • Component cleanliness and condition

General System Troubleshooting

Finally, the technician looks at the bigger picture. They’ll service a few components, ensuring good working conditions and operation for months to come. You might notice them doing the following:

  • Replacing air filters to improve airflow
  • Lubricating various HVAC parts for smoother operations
  • Cleaning other components to prevent overheating
  • Checking for leaks, dirt, and disrepair in the duct network

Should You Inspect Your HVAC System?

Some homeowners wonder whether they can save money by self-inspecting their HVAC systems. Reputable HVAC technicians do not recommend that homeowners rely on their inspections alone. Only a qualified service provider can identify and repair hidden issues that would otherwise go unnoticed.

However, regular self-inspections can help you get to know your system and recognize when you need repairs. You can also handle tasks like:

  • Moving debris away from the outdoor unit
  • Cleaning and dusting indoor vents
  • Checking for obstructions in the immediate duct entries
  • Keeping tabs on your HVAC filter

While your inspections can’t replace professional ones, they help you stay in the loop about what is and isn’t normal about your HVAC system.

Why Hire a Professional?

A skilled HVAC technician can recommend money-saving methods like repairs with recycled parts. They can also suggest new features to improve your comfort and health.

For example, a technician performs an air quality test to identify particles circulating in your home. Sometimes, a repair service can resolve air quality issues. Other times, an air purifier will do the job. Your service provider always has a solution for any HVAC issue. 

Contact On The Double Heating & Cooling for a Full Air Conditioner Inspection

On The Double Heating & Cooling’s technicians treat each customer with courtesy and enthusiasm. We’ll go through a comprehensive inspection and maintenance checklist. We know how to lubricate an air conditioner fan and install full systems! Call 806-203-7483.