HVAC inspection — every zone, every appliance, every refrigerant tag.
Multi-zone systems, ERV/HRV ventilation, R-22 vs R-410A identification, humidifier discipline, and operational safety checks at each gas appliance. Documented in the same-evening report.
The most complex residential mechanical environment in the SW metro.
Eden Prairie premium homes routinely run 3–6 HVAC zones with VAV dampers, whole-house humidification, ERV or HRV ventilation, dedicated basement dehumidification, and (increasingly) mini-split systems on sunrooms. We test each zone for call-and-response, document filter type and condition, identify refrigerant by data plate (R-22 still appears on 2010-and-earlier condensers), and verify humidifier setpoint discipline against the 30–35% RH winter target. Operational and safety checks at each gas appliance — burner-efficiency tuning is a separate licensed-contractor scope.
What the system tells us.
Six findings drive most HVAC surprises after closing in Eden Prairie. Each is photographed, severity-tagged, and tied to a recommendation in the report.
R-22 refrigerant
Phased out 2020. Recharge cost rising; a leak typically forces system replacement. Flagged from data plate.
Stuck zone damper
Damper does not respond to thermostat call. Common on 10+ year old VAV systems with worn actuators.
Filter neglect
Loaded MERV-13+ filter on undersized return chokes airflow, drives static pressure, shortens blower life.
Heat-exchanger concern
Visual exam of accessible exchanger surfaces. Cracks or rust-through trigger replacement recommendation.
Humidifier over-set
Setpoint above 40% in deep cold drives window condensation and attic moisture. We document setpoint.
Duct disconnect / leakage
Disconnected flex in attic or unconditioned crawl. Crushed runs, missing insulation, obvious sealing failures.
What's likely in the mechanical room.
System architecture and refrigerant-era profile by Eden Prairie subdivision. Use this as a pre-offer screen for replacement-budget planning.
| Neighborhood | Build era | Likely system | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bearpath | 1992–2010 | 4–6 zone VAV · ERV · humidifier | Medium |
| Cedar Forest | 1985–2005 | 2–4 zone · R-22 risk on 2005-and-earlier condensers | High |
| Hennepin Village | 1998–2008 | 3–4 zone · HRV · R-410A typical | Low |
| Mitchell Lake area | 1972–1995 | Single-zone original · multiple replacement generations | High |
| Round Lake area | 1968–1985 | Single-zone · likely replaced 2x · check refrigerant | Medium |
| Eden Prairie Center area | 1975–1995 | 1–2 zone · standard furnace + condenser | Medium |
Three steps. Zone-by-zone.
Equipment, age, refrigerant
Data plate documentation on each appliance — furnace, condenser, ERV/HRV, humidifier, water heater, dehumidifier. Refrigerant type identified from condenser data plate. Filter type and condition noted on every air handler.
Zone testing & safety checks
Each zone called from the thermostat — damper response verified, supply/return temperature differentials measured. Operational and safety checks at every gas appliance: flame appearance, draft, vent connection, CO at registers. Visual heat-exchanger review where accessible.
System map + recommendations
Same-evening report includes a system map (each zone, each appliance), refrigerant identification, humidifier discipline notes, ductwork findings, and severity-tagged recommendations your agent can use in negotiation.
Add an HVAC inspection — or run it standalone before a heating season.
Two-minute quote. Booking this week. Same-evening report.