Homewerx Home Inspection in Mesa, AZ

Category: Air Conditioning

  • Even AZ homeowners need to service their heat pumps!

    Most of us living in Arizona don't run our heat very often.  However, it's still important to do regular maintenance on your heat pump… especially since your heat pump also cools your home in the summer months!  Although heat pumps and air conditioners function differently, they both produce condensation as they cool.  This condensation collects in a drain pan, and is then drained out through the condensate lines.  These condensate lines can become clogged, leading to a significant risk of water leakage, water damage and mold.  Having your home's heat pump or air conditioner serviced regularly can help to avoid much more expensive repairs in the future.

    The picture below shows a heat pump's primary drain pan, which is full of rust and other crud indicating improper drainage.  And yes, "crud" is a technical term!

    This picture shows a heat pump's primary drain pan, which is full of rust and other crud indicating improper drainage.

  • Don’t Just Have a Home Inspection, Get a HomeXray!!

    Don't just have a Home Inspection, get a HomeXray!! A HomeXray is an Infrared (IR) Thermal Imaging Inspection

    What is a HomeXraySM?
    A HomeXraySM is a scan of your home using a special infrared thermal imaging camera.  This infrared (IR) camera detects very small temperature variations in your home’s components, even in hidden areas such as behind the walls, above the ceiling and beneath the floors.  These very minor temperature differences often reveal ‘invisible’ problems which cannot be seen with the naked eye, and would not be found with just a traditional home inspection.  Some people refer to this technology as "seeing through walls" or "X-ray Vision".  While neither of these analogies are technically correct, in many cases a HomeXraySM can help the Inspector "see" problems that would otherwise not be visible.Infrared (IR) thermal imaging camera used to take HomeXrays

    Why do I need a HomeXraySM?
    A HomeXraySM takes your home inspection to the next level!  While a good home inspector can detect a wide variety of problems without "seeing inside the walls", a standard home inspection has limitations because it’s a visual inspection.  A HomeXraySM is an inexpensive, non-invasive and non-destructive method of finding hidden problems that would otherwise go undetected.  Often times, a HomeXraySM can find a problem in its early stages before there are visible symptoms, making it easier and less expensive to repair.  Much like a medical x-ray can help a doctor to diagnose a problem inside your body without doing exploratory surgery, a HomeXraySM is a quick and painless way to find certain types of problems that can be hidden within your home’s walls, floors and ceilings.  But even a HomeXraySM has limitations, and it takes much more than a special IR camera to "see through walls".  Just like it takes a trained Radiologist to properly interpret your medical x-ray, it takes a trained Thermographer to properly interpret your HomeXraySM.  Rest assured that when you order a HomeXraySM from Homewerx, your Inspector is also a trained, experienced and Certified Thermographer.

    The U.S. Dept. of Energy recommends having an infrared scan done before purchasing a home because even new houses can have defects in their thermal envelopes.

    This is a HomeXray of a Ceiling - Taken During a Home Inspection, Using an Infrared (IR) Thermal Imaging Camera
    This HomeXraySM of a ceiling reveals an area with no insulation.         
     

    What types of problems can a HomeXraySM reveal?
    A HomeXraySM can find several different types of hidden problems, including:

    • Plumbing leaks, moisture intrusion and water damage
    • Missing insulation and energy loss
    • Heating, cooling and ventilation problems (HVAC), including ductwork leaks
    • Roof leaks, structural issues and foundation cracks
    • Faulty wiring, breakers and fuses 
    • Pests such as termites, rats and mice

    Is a HomeXraySM part of a Home Inspection?
    A HomeXraySM is not included with your home inspection – it’s an additional service.  You can order a HomeXraySM by itself, or with a home inspection.  You may also choose to have a HomeXraySM of your entire house, or we can do a HomeXraySM of one specific area where you suspect a problem.  It’s up to you!  Of course, you can save money when you order both a home inspection and a HomeXraySM at the same time!

    Do I get a report with my HomeXraySM?
    Yes!  The Inspector also prepares a comprehensive, typewritten report which explains the results of your HomeXraySM and includes several color photos.  The report is EASY-TO-READ and understand and contains maintenance advice plus other helpful homeowner information.  Reports are usually emailed the next day, but can also be delivered by fax or regular mail.

    How much does a HomeXraySM cost?
    The price of a HomeXraySM depends on several factors:  the size of your home, whether you want a HomeXraySM of the entire house or just a certain area, and whether you order your HomeXraySM with a home inspection or by itself.  But for a limited time, when you order a home inspection from Homewerx, you can get a HomeXraySM for an additional fee of:

    ONLY $149.00* (for homes up to 3000 square feet)
    This is an introductory offer only and won’t last long… so HURRY!

       

    Order your HomeXraySM today!
     

    (480) 503-2611
    TOLL FREE:  1-888-THE-WERX

    Because an ounce of inspection is worth a pound of repair!

    *IMPORTANT NOTE:  $149 HomeXraySM offer is good only on homes that are 3000 square feet or smaller, and requires the purchase of a Home Inspection at regular price.  The HomeXraySM must be performed at the same time as the Home Inspection or additional trip charges may apply.  No other discounts or offers may be used in conjunction with this offer.  This price is offered for a limited time only and may end without notice.

  • Homeowners Need Inspections Too!

    Even when you are not buying or selling a home, you can still benefit from a home inspection in a variety of ways:

    We also inspect rental properties:

    • Landlord and Investor Inspections – performed regularly while tenants are living in your property
    • Renter Inspections – to help renters document existing damage and defects before moving into a rental property

    We even do Commercial Inspections!

    • Offices
    • Retail space
    • Apartment complexes
    • Other commercial properties

    So remember, home inspections are not just for buyers!  The longer you have owned your home or plan to own your home, the more important it is to have regular inspections in order to properly maintain your home and avoid costly repairs.

    Call for an inspection today!

    (480) 503-2611
    TOLL FREE:  1-888-THE-WERX

    Or Schedule Online!

  • Air Conditioner & Heat Pump Warning Signs

    As we get into the 100+ degree temperatures, the efficiency of your home’s cooling system becomes of the utmost importance.  Your air conditioner or heat pump is usually the most expensive appliance in your home, not only in terms of initial cost, but also when it comes to maintenance cost and energy use.

    To maintain comfort in your home and to keep your cooling unit working at peak efficiency, you should:

    • have your air conditioner or heat pump serviced annually by a qualified professional
    • change your air filters at least once per month (yes – every month!)
    • keep at least 90% of all your home’s air vents open to avoid creating a pressure imbalance
    • clean any debris or obstructions near the outdoor components of your cooling system to improve cooling efficiency

    In many cases, it makes alot of sense financially to replace an older cooling system even if it still works just fine.  This is because newer cooling units are much more energy efficient than older ones.  Therefore, the money you save in electric bills will pay for the cost of the new unit in a fairly short time.  It obviously depends on how long you plan to keep your home.  If your air conditioner or heat pump is more than 10 years old and you plan to keep your home for several years, you should definitely consider a newer, more efficient cooling system.

    One or more of the warning signs below could indicate that your cooling system may soon be due for repair or replacement:

    • Your cooling system makes excessive noise
    • Your air conditioner or heat pump turns on and off frequently
    • You notice some rooms are colder than desired, or hotter than desired
    • Your electricity usage increases
    • You notice excessive dust in your home
    • Your cooling system requires frequent repair
    • Your cooling system is more than 10 years old

    Hope this information helps you and your family stay cool this summer.  Remember, if you have any type of problem in your home, Homewerx Home Inspections can help!  We do homeowner maintenance inspections and special inspections, in addition to many other services.

    Call today for more information
    or to schedule your inspection!

    Valleywide (480) 503-2611
    Toll free: 1-888-THE-WERX

  • Air Conditioner on Brand New Home Doesn’t Work

                Brand new home's air conditioner doesn't work because the thermostat's wires were not stripped and are therefore not making proper contact! This would affect the heating operation also.                  

    Any ideas why this brand new home’s air conditioner does not work? 

    The correct answer will be posted in the ‘Comments‘ next Tuesday, February 28th!

    Be sure to check back…you can make a ‘Comment‘ below if you think you know the answer!

  • Bricks & Evaporative Coolers Don’t Mix!

    Evaporative cooler with bricks being used as leg stands. This is not recommended! Bricks are probably NOT the manufacturer’s recommended material for evaporative cooler stand legs!

  • Air Duct Inspection (using video camera)

    An Air Duct Inspection is a visual inspection of the inside of your air ducts.  For this type of inspection, the inspector uses a specially designed video camera which can be extended up to 100 feet inside the air ducts.  The inspector and client can then view the inside of the air ducts on a small TV monitor.  This type of Air Duct Inspection is helpful in identifying conditions that affect both your cooling system’s efficiency and your family’s health.  Some conditions that can be diagnosed by an Air Duct Inspection are:

    • Dirt or mold in the air ducts
    • Dead animals, trash or other obstructions in the air ducts
    • Cracks or other openings/penetrations in the air ducts

    Cracks in the air ducts are of particular concern in homes with a sub slab return system because these types of cracks can increase the potential for high levels of radon gas.

    The cost for this type of Air Duct Inspection is:

    • $300 by itself, or
    • $200 if you get an Air Duct Inspection in conjunction with a home inspection or other service

    For an additional fee, the client may purchase a copy of the Air Duct Inspection on a VHS video tape, or on a DVD.

    …Because an Ounce of Inspection is Worth a Pound of Repair!

    Valleywide Service, 7 Days a Week!

    Call Today
    (480) 503-2611
    TOLL FREE:  1-888-THE-WERX

    Or Schedule Online!

  • What Does a Home Inspection Include?

    We inspect in accordance with the Arizona BTR Standards and ASHI® Standards.  A standard home inspection includes the following:

  • Air Conditioning
  • Built-in Appliances
  • Electrical System
  • Exterior of the Home
  • Heating System
  • Insulation & Ventilation
  • Interior of the Home
  • Plumbing System
  • Pool & Spa
  • Roofing Components
  • Structural Components

    • Termite Reports & Environmental Inspections are not included in a standard home inspection, but can be done for an additional fee.

  • Air Conditioning

    During a standard home inspection, the following parts of the air conditioning systems are inspected:

    1.  Central air conditioning including:

    • cooling and air handling equipment
    • normal operating controls

    2.  Distribution systems including:

    • fans, pumps, ducts and piping, with supports, dampers, insulation, air filters, registers, fan-coil units
    • the presence of an installed cooling source in each room

  • Why Do I Need a Home Inspection?

    There are many reasons one might need a home inspection:

    Call today!

    (480) 503-2611
    or 1-888-THE-WERX

    or Schedule Online!

    Because an ounce of inspection is worth a pound of repair!