Ventilation Inspection For A Healthy And Safe Home
What is a ventilation inspection?
A ventilation inspection is the analysis and checkup of the home, business, or industrial ventilation system that provides forced air heating, cooling, and/or air exchange through mechanical ventilation systems such as an ERV (energy recovery ventilation), HRV (heat recovery ventilation) or other types of ventilation systems (such as kitchen hoods, and bathroom fans).
What are the benefits of ventilation inspection and why should I have one?
The purpose of ventilation inspections is to ensure the safety and health of occupants in a building, as well as the good keeping of the HVAC system. Neglected or compromised ventilation in one way or another can lead to multiple comfort issues in the indoor air quality or HVAC performance. Ventilation checks done by professionals help identify any issues with the ventilation system and can provide options to fix them.
What qualifies an individual to conduct a ventilation inspection?
In general, the title of qualified should only be given to an individual who has extensive knowledge on the given topic. Platinum Air Care technicians have been lectured extensively and quizzed through various learning materials, videos, and infographic guides to be able to properly advise and educate our customers with the knowledge they can trust.
What does Platinum Air Care search for in a residential ventilation inspection?
The inspection process may vary depending on the type of facility (house, apartment, trailer, etc.). When it comes to residential homes, our technicians look for a variety of key indicators that could cause issues in the homeowner or occupants future, this includes but is not limited to the following:
Visually inspect all exposed venting for vent blockage or obstruction which could be caused by conditions such as dust and debris or damage including the hot and cold air distribution
Noticing any abnormal noise or vibrations in the ductwork
Noticeable air leaks - air leaks cause energy inefficiency in the HVAC system which makes the heating and cooling equipment overwork and underproduce results; this leads to energy bills increasing)
Checking for extreme temperatures and/or humidity issues within the space
Checking for visual evidence of water penetration or abnormal condensation
Other exposed possibilities such as A/C leaks, mold growth, animal disturbances, system or vent damage, and more
Furnace filter condition & complimentary replacement if the filter is due for replacement
Mechanical Recovery Ventilation Systems such as Energy Recovery Ventilation System (ERV) and Heat Recovery Ventilation System (HRV) vent condition - these frail vents can become brittle over time in poor conditions and can be easily damaged causing air leakage
While our technicians are there, we also take a brief scan of the home comfort equipment in your home. This equipment consists of the furnace and air conditioning system (condition and age), condensate pump, humidifier, water heater, air filtration, and/or water filtration products.
Platinum Air Care also offers commercial ventilation inspection services
Can I do the inspection myself?
Of course, however, unless you have been properly trained and have the necessary tools you may not be able to do a thorough inspection. Here are a few things you can keep an eye on with minimal knowledge and tools:
Check the exterior of your home for:
Restriction of the HVAC System (Dirt, dust, and other obstacles such as overgrown landscaping and bushes).
Check for Blocked, obstructed, or damaged exterior exhaust ventilation (this can be caused by dust, dirt, nests, etc.)
Look for exterior gaps that may need attention or repair. Can consist of exhaust vents, air conditioner lines, and other aspects that lead inside your home.
While you are here, pay attention to the general condition of your air conditioner equipment and AC lines.
Check the interior of your home for:
Start with your furnace filter: Check and change it if it is due (most homes neglect to routinely replace the furnace filter!).
Keep an eye out for evidence of mold growth around the vents or other areas.
Check for any water issues present in your vents, basement & furnace room.
Take a moment and just listen to your HVAC system while inside the mechanical room. You may notice odd sounds or vibrations which would need further investigation.
Ensuring proper ventilation is a collective action from checking air intakes to the vents leading to the air handling units of your home. Corrective action differs depending on the situation but the end result will be the same; ensuring adequate ventilation air flow rates, making sure your system is safe, healthy, and secure; and after an inspection, it is hopefully informative to you and your family regarding the well-keeping and comfort of your home.
Ventilation Inspection (FAQ) - Frequently Asked Questions & Answers
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As mentioned earlier, professional HVAC companies typically have extensive training and the tools necessary to conduct a proper and thorough inspection. If you have the knowledge and tools, great! But it should be noted in our experience, even licensed HVAC technicians neglect their own homes on occasion and do not make the extra effort to check their own homes!
Many homeowners tend to procrastinate on things as simple as furnace filter replacement~ “I’ll do it next week, or next month”; that’s why Platinum Air Care offers services like ventilation inspection, HVAC inspection, and filter replacement services. Let us check your systems to ensure the safety of your home and HVAC equipment with regular inspection and maintenance, so you don’t have to.
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Believe it or not, most HVAC companies DO NOT check the ventilation system regularly, yearly, or even at all! If you are under a protection plan or maintenance package from other well-known companies and their technicians visit you yearly or bi-yearly, they only focus on the product that your plan covers (for example the furnace system), completely overlooking the entirety of the ventilation system.
Like us, these other HVAC companies can check the ventilation system, but only as a separate service if requested; and many companies do not advertise or even bother to recommend it. This is why on occasion, we offer ventilation inspections for no charge as promotional efforts to gain your future business. Just another step in raising the bar in the HVAC industry, such as including long-term and fully covered warranties (including both parts and labor).
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The ventilation inspection’s purpose is not for Radon, however, if you believe Radon to be a problem, we do offer tests and solutions towards fixing possible Radon issues. It should be noted that a proper Radon test takes time, and the best types of Radon tests take a minimum of 90 days with a non-intrusive device that sits inside your home.
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HVAC maintenance, HVAC tune-ups, and HVAC repair typically only mean work is done to the heating and cooling system; even though HVAC stands for “Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning”, HVAC companies usually leave the ventilation part out. If you feel your ventilation system has not been checked, consider having us or an HVAC company of your choice inspect it.
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The main reason is for hazard prevention the health and safety of its occupants. Platinum Air Care inspects thousands of homes each year and many homes have either never been checked before, or have been neglected.
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The short answer is no. A standard ventilation inspection looks for noticeable and physical details and the source of them. Things like carbon monoxide leaks or excess carbon dioxide are not looked for.
However, our full and premium HVAC system inspections go over the entire system and indoor air quality with a licensed gas technician.
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This depends on the potential issue found. Solutions are from duct sealing, damaged vent repair, fixing exterior access to prevent rodents, to clogged and obstructed vents requiring duct cleaning. Our technicians will be sure to provide better insight after inspection!
Our technicians are always available to provide you with a ventilation inspection. For a significant discount on our service, consider pre-booking in advance. Call us at (519) 686-3595 or Toll-Free: 1 (877) 339-4701
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