August in Arkansas isn’t subtle. When the heat index pushes past 100°F and the humidity makes it feel like you’re breathing through a wet towel, your HVAC system isn’t just a comfort appliance — it’s a life-safety system. And it’s also when aging, neglected, or improperly functioning equipment tends to fail.
Our recent inspections in the Fort Smith area turned up several HVAC-related findings worth discussing — because summer is exactly the right time to pay attention to what your cooling and heating systems are doing.
What We Found: Aged HVAC Equipment With Years of Neglect
At a Fort Smith property inspected recently, both HVAC units were flagged as concerns. The indoor heating unit was manufactured in approximately 2008 — at or past its typical 15–20 year service life. The outdoor condensing unit dated to approximately 2009, similarly aged and showing signs of wear. Both units were still operational, but aging HVAC equipment carries risks beyond “will it run?”
Heat exchanger degradation: On aging gas furnaces, the heat exchanger can develop cracks that allow carbon monoxide to mix with circulated air — one of the primary residential CO sources and why annual HVAC servicing matters.
Refrigerant issues: Older R-22/Freon-based equipment (pre-2010) uses refrigerants that are no longer manufactured and increasingly expensive to service. If an older unit develops a refrigerant leak, replacement is often more cost-effective than recharging.
Component failure: Capacitors, contactors, and fan motors wear out over time. Heat waves accelerate this. A capacitor failure costs $150–$400 to replace if caught early. A full compressor failure is several thousand dollars.
The Low Supply Temperature Finding
At the same Fort Smith property, we measured supply air temperature from the downstairs furnace at approximately 90°F — significantly below the typical operating range of 120–140°F. Low supply temperature can indicate a dirty or missing air filter restricting airflow, a failing heat exchanger, improper gas valve operation, or blower motor issues.
At 90°F supply temperature, the system runs longer to try to compensate — driving up utility costs and accelerating component wear. An HVAC technician should evaluate the unit to determine the root cause.
Note on air filters: Missing air filters were found at multiple properties in recent inspections. A missing filter allows dust and debris to coat heat exchanger coils and blower motors. The $20 you save by not replacing a filter can cost hundreds in coil cleaning and component replacement.
Structural Findings That Show Up in Summer: Foundation and Settlement
Summer in Arkansas is also when foundation-related issues become more visible. The region’s expansive clay soils shrink and crack during dry periods, creating differential movement that shows up as sloping floors, sticking doors, drywall cracks near door corners, and wall/ceiling separation.
At a Fort Smith property on Skypark Drive, we documented uneven and sloping floor conditions in the living room — a Major finding — along with structural settling at the front porch overhang with displacement patterns beyond normal minor settlement. A structural specialist evaluation was recommended.
The spectrum matters: minor differential settlement is common in Arkansas homes and doesn’t necessarily indicate a serious problem. Progressive, ongoing movement is different. If your floors have gotten noticeably more uneven over the past year, that’s worth investigating.
Deck Safety: Summer Is When People Use Them
At the Skypark Drive property, we found improper deck construction practices flagged as a Major finding — support beams fastened to the wall with nails rather than proper structural connectors, and beam notching that compromises structural integrity. Improperly constructed decks are a genuine safety hazard. Deck collapses cause injuries every year.
Look for: ledger board connection bolted through (not nailed), post base hardware at each post, and railing stability (grab and push hard — it shouldn’t flex significantly).
August Home Maintenance Checklist for Arkansas Homeowners
Based on this week’s inspection findings, here’s what to check right now:
- ✅ Replace your HVAC air filter (check monthly in summer)
- ✅ Schedule HVAC service if your system is 10+ years old
- ✅ Test garage door auto-reverse with the 2×4 method
- ✅ Check downspouts — discharge 4–6 feet from the foundation
- ✅ Look for sticking doors or uneven floors — note changes over time
- ✅ Test smoke and CO detectors
- ✅ Inspect deck ledger board and post connections
If you’re buying or selling a home in Fort Smith this summer, Unified Inspection Services is ready to give you a complete, detailed picture of what you’re working with.
📞 (479) 763-7620 | 🌐 Book at unifiedinspection.com/book-now | View our services
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should HVAC equipment be serviced in Arkansas?
Twice a year is ideal — spring before cooling season and fall before heating season. Arkansas’s climate puts significant demand on both heating and cooling systems; annual service catches developing issues before they become failures.
What is a normal supply air temperature for an air conditioner?
For cooling, a properly functioning AC should produce supply air 15–20°F cooler than the return air temperature. Temperatures outside this range indicate potential refrigerant issues, coil problems, or airflow restrictions.
When should I be worried about foundation movement in Arkansas?
Some minor settling is expected in Arkansas’s clay soils, particularly during drought years. Signs that warrant professional evaluation include floors that slope more than 1 inch over 8 feet, multiple sticking doors, drywall cracks wider than 1/4 inch, or any progressive change you’ve noticed over months.
Does a home inspection cover deck safety?
Yes. A standard home inspection includes evaluation of visible deck framing, ledger attachment, railing stability, and surface condition per ASHI Standards of Practice. If significant structural concerns are found, a licensed contractor or structural engineer may be recommended for further evaluation.