Heating System Inspections to Keep You Warm

While you’re having your battery checked and your summer tires switched out, include one system that often gets overlooked until it stops working: your vehicle’s heating system. In this article, we’ll cover the most important parts of a heating inspection and explain why they’re important.

Why Worry About a Professional Heating System Inspection?

Your heating, cooling, and ventilation (HVAC) systems are connected and therefore use several shared components. Your air conditioning worked hard to keep you cool in summer; so give the HVAC a once-over before winter hits.

You need the heat not only for comfort—and even survival, depending on where you live—but for road visibility. Your heating system keeps your windows clear of frost and fog.

Also remember that small issues caught early can prevent expensive emergency repairs, not to mention the cost of towing and the time lost dealing with the issue, which will likely happen at a highly inconvenient time.

What Happens During a Typical Heating System Check?

Let’s walk through some of the steps an automotive technician will take to inspect your heating system.

Coolant System Health

Coolant transfers heat. In summer, it transfers heat from the engine to outside. In winter, from the engine into the passenger cabin.

A mechanic will test for:

• coolant leaks
• damage to heater hoses
• coolant level and condition

These tests ensure coolant efficiently travels through your heating system.

Heating Components

These tests inspect your vehicle’s:

• thermostat: monitors engine temperature
• heater core: transfers heat to the vehicle’s interior
• blower fans: move air through the car’s heating system

Integrated Systems

An automotive technician will inspect parts that are used equally by both systems.

• blend door: mixes warm and cold air to match the requested temperature in the passenger cabin
• defrosting: keeps your windows clear of fog and ice
• evaporator: removes humidity before the air flows into the passenger cabin

Safety Inspection

In addition to the above inspections, which check for damage, your automotive technician will inspect for exhaust system and heater core leaks.

An exhaust system leak can release carbon monoxide into the cabin. A heater core leak, coolant vapours. Both are dangerous to inhale.

Signs Your Heating System Needs Immediate Attention

Here are some signs that you should take your vehicle in for repairs now, instead of waiting for your next seasonal inspection:

• cold air blowing from your vents
• engine temperature gauge behaving abnormally
• foggy windows that won’t clear
• sweet smell from vents
• temperature takes too long to warm up
• unusual noises when heater is running
• weak or no airflow from vents

Some may feel like minor inconveniences, like the passenger cabin taking too long to warm up, but others can become dangerous, such as a suspected coolant leak or even windows that frequently fog up and impede your vision.

Take your vehicle in right away if you notice any of the above signs.

When to Schedule Your Heating System Inspection

If your system appears healthy, schedule your inspection with other winter preparation services, like a tire change and oil change. But book early, so you avoid the tire-change rush. Staying on top of HVAC maintenance can help prevent future problems.

The more tasks you can schedule into one service appointment, the more convenient it is for you. You can find a list of what to ask for at your winter vehicle inspection here.

For more information on a heating system inspection, or to book an appointment, find your local NAPA AUTOPRO service centre here. One of our friendly technicians will be more than happy to assist you.