HVAC & Furnace.
Heating and cooling is the system you notice only when it fails — usually at the worst time, and at altitude it works harder. Here’s what we check, what tends to go wrong, and the upkeep that keeps it running.
What we check during an inspection
We operate the system using normal controls and evaluate accessible, visible components.
✓ Heating equipment
We note the furnace or heat source’s type, approximate age, and operation, and visually check what’s accessible.
✓ Cooling equipment
We run the AC or heat pump (in suitable weather), noting age and condenser condition.
✓ Ductwork & airflow
We check visible ducts and registers and note rooms with weak airflow.
✓ Filters
We check filter location and condition — a dirty filter strains the whole system.
✓ Venting & combustion
We visually check flue/exhaust, combustion air, and gas connections for safety.
✓ Thermostat
We confirm the thermostat operates the system through its modes.
Common problems we find
✓ Neglected filters
Clogged filters choke airflow, waste energy, and shorten equipment life.
✓ Aging equipment
Units past ~15–20 years that are nearing the end of their service life.
✓ Heat-exchanger concerns
Cracks or corrosion are a carbon-monoxide risk — we flag suspect units for professional evaluation.
✓ Duct problems
Disconnected, leaky, or undersized ducts leaving rooms hot or cold.
✓ No service history
Systems that haven’t been serviced in years and are overdue for a tune-up.
✓ Sizing issues
Equipment that’s under- or over-sized, often after an addition.
What you can maintain yourself
✓ Change filters regularly
Every 1–3 months depending on the filter and household — the single highest-impact habit.
✓ Service it annually
Heating in the fall, cooling in the spring, by a licensed technician.
✓ Keep the condenser clear
Maintain a couple feet of clearance around the outdoor unit and rinse off debris.
✓ Don’t block vents
Keep supply and return registers open and unobstructed, and clear snow from exterior terminations.
✓ Test CO detectors
Essential with any combustion appliance — test monthly and replace aging units.
✓ Call early
Short-cycling or odd noises shouldn’t wait — at altitude these units work hard.
This guide is for general education. It reflects what we look for during a home inspection, not a substitute for a licensed professional. If you have a specific concern, please contact a licensed HVAC technician — and of course, we’re always happy to take a look during an inspection.
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Read →Plumbing
Plumbing issues are some of the most common — and most expensive — problems we find. Here’s what we actually look at during an inspection, what tends to go wrong, and what you can stay ahead of yourself.
Read →Electrical
Electrical problems are among the most safety-critical things we find — and often the least visible. Here’s what we check, the red flags we look for, and what you can safely keep an eye on yourself.
Read →Concerned about your hvac & furnace?
We’ll give your home a thorough, plain-English inspection and flag anything worth a closer look.