
Home HVAC Inspection Checklist: HVAC Inspection Checklist And Guidelines
There are many things that homeowners should do to maintain their homes. Keeping your HVAC in good shape is important for both efficiency and safety. This article will provide a list of tasks you can tackle, what items to have handy during an inspection, and some guidelines so that you know exactly what needs attention now or later on down the road with regards to your HVAC system; common problems like malfunctioning thermostats and no cool air coming from vents!
Your home needs an annual inspection every year in order to keep its HVAC systems at peak performance level. A professional inspector can assess the condition of your heating and cooling unit. Check for any leaks or other problems with ductwork, offer recommendations on what parts should be replaced, and suggest ways to keep your home’s systems running at peak performance., and provide a detailed report of any findings.
This checklist is designed for you to use as an overview when scheduling your annual inspection with the professional inspector.
What is an HVAC inspection?
The HVAC inspection is a complete examination and testing of your home’s heating, cooling, and air quality components. It can be done by an expert or you can do it yourself. An HVAC inspector will provide information about the system’s condition to help decide whether future maintenance is necessary before investing in costly repairs.
What is involved in an HVAC inspection?
If the inspector finds any difficulties or notes during their visit, there will be a written report of their findings. The inspector will give recommendations on what needs to be done to make your home or business safer, more energy-efficient, and to keep your HVAC running efficiently. The typical HVAC inspection checklist includes:
- The location of all ducts
- The quality of insulation in the attic
- Outdoor air intakes for each unit
- Indoor and outdoor temperatures during different hours
- Exhaust vents and chimney
- Weather conditions outside during the HVAC inspection
- Humidity levels inside of the home during different hours
How long does an HVAC inspection take?
A typical HVAC inspection takes 90-120 mins on average. An inspector will be able to inspect the whole heating and cooling system of a residential building, including any ducts or airboxes that might need replacement.
It is hard to estimate how long an HVAC inspection will take. It depends on the technician’s experience and familiarity with your HVAC system, as well as other factors such as time of year or any additional work that needs to be done for the service.
How much does it cost to have the HVAC system inspected?
The cost of an HVAC inspection is determined by the type and amount of work that needs to be done. The labor costs, travel expenses, and other associated fees are also factors in determining how much it will cost for a specific examination.
With an HVAC inspection, the client can expect to pay anywhere from $100 and up. The cost is dependent on how large a house is or what type of HVAC system they have. An HVAC inspection usually costs $100-150/home, The cost of having all home furnaces inspected and monitored by experts is $200/per furnace.
How often should HVAC be inspected?
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning inspections cover your home’s systems to identify hidden problems so they don’t get worse. The best time for an HVAC inspection is once every 6 months when weather conditions are extreme.
It’s best to do maintenance during the dry, cooler fall months. You need to inspect your engine periodically and keep it maintained as you should in a timely manner. This will prevent leaks, which can be costly to repair. It will be a perfect time for you to work on HVAC systems during the spring period thanks to optimal weather conditions.
It is recommended that you change the filter on your heating and cooling system once every six months. However, if you are using a unit all year round, then it is best to replace them more often at least three times per season.
What Types of HVAC Inspections Are Available?
The type of service provided will vary depending on the needs and the current condition of your home HVAC. Generally, services fall into three categories: HVAC Inspection, HVAC Tune-ups, and Maintenance.
HVAC Inspection - This is the most common type of inspection. At this point, your home’s HVAC system will be inspected by a technician to make sure that it meets all local codes and standards. The technician will check the system’s electrical, mechanical, and environmental factors.
HVAC Tune-ups - A tune-up is a more specialized inspection meant to make sure that your home’s HVAC system is running at its best. This includes cleaning or replacing parts of the HVAC system that need attention, such as filters and coils.
HVAC Maintenance - Maintenance ensures that homes have a reliable HVAC system for years to come. But, keep in mind that maintenance is not just an inspection - it includes any repairs or replacement work needed on the home’s current system.
Reasons for HVAC inspections
Inspecting your HVAC system’s operation provides a lot of advantages, such as preventing costly repair work and catching problems early on. An HVAC inspection is a way to make sure your home or business runs efficiently and doesn’t waste energy.
When a unit malfunctions, the potential risks of fire can be high. In addition to that, there are also many other threats including mold growth or air quality degradation which could lead to health problems for occupants as well as property damage around the building.
Besides, if your HVAC unit is not properly maintained, it can cause a number of health issues. These include sleep disorders such as insomnia and headaches that are related to heart palpitations.
How to diagnose HVAC symptoms
When it comes to your home HVAC system, you should always be aware of any maintenance and repairs that have been made in the last 10-15 years. If there are recent problems with your HVAC unit, such as discomfort during winter or summer seasons, strange odors or sounds coming from it, then make sure you get an expert opinion on what’s going on. The best option is to schedule a professional HVAC inspection for your home by someone who knows how to diagnose and treat these symptoms.
To diagnose HVAC symptoms, you must have access to the following:
- The furnace/air handler unit (heat pump or air conditioner)
- A thermometer that can measure the ambient air temperature
- A multimeter that can measure voltage and amperage
- A wiring diagram of your home’s electrical system, which should be connected to a circuit breaker that is connected to the furnace/air handler unit
- A manual or online guide for your HVAC system
It’s important to have your HVAC inspected regularly, but it is tricky to tell for sure what the symptoms of a problem are. You observe and report any issues you find in order for your technician to pinpoint the best way to proceed.
What is an HVAC Inspection Checklist?
An HVAC inspection checklist is a list of steps one should follow when investigating the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems in their home. This checklist helps homeowners with potential issues with their heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system.
The HVAC Inspection Checklist And Guidelines provide an overview of common problems that may occur in homes and what to do about them. It also offers tips on how to avoid some issues altogether.
This checklist is meant to be used as a general guideline when you’re inspecting your HVAC unit. The inspector should know what type of heating system they’re inspecting before beginning an inspection. Details of this checklist may differ depending on the project and establishment in question, so it’s best if you use this list as a guide rather than using one specific item from each category.
Top Printable HVAC Inspection Checklist Templates
The purpose of this checklist is not to replace an actual inspection done by a professional but instead to be a guide that can help you diagnose symptoms or answer any questions that you may have. Please use this printable HVAC inspection checklist pdf as a guide only.
Residential/ Commercial HVAC Inspection Checklist
The HVAC Home Inspection Checklist is an easy way to keep your home safe and in good working order. The checklist can be downloaded as a PDF here, so you’ll have it on hand when you need it. It also comes with guidelines that tell you what types of items should be inspected by each person who performs the inspection. This checklist can be used by homeowners to prove the functionality of newly installed or upgraded HVAC systems.
- Air supply inspection - This includes checking and replacing filters, making sure there are no leaks or obstructions on pipes that lead into the unit’s filter area, etc.
- Auxiliary heating and cooling operation - The auxiliary heating and cooling system should be checked by checking the temperature settings, keeping in mind that all dampers are open to allow for maximum airflow, etc.
- Blower components - The blower components should be checked for leaks or other abnormalities, and the fan belt should also be inspected.
- Burner assembly - The burner assembly should be checked to make sure that all controls are in the proper position and there is no debris blocking the burners.
- Combustion air - The combustion air should be checked to make sure there are no obstructions or blockages, and that the flue pipe is clear.
- Condensate drains/condenser/condensation cycle - The condensate drains, the condenser coils, and the airflow through the unit should be checked to ensure that there are no obstructions or blockages.
- Electrical connections - The electrical connections should be checked to make sure that there are no loose or broken wires.
- Filter - The filter should be inspected and replaced if necessary, as it is important for keeping the system running efficiently.
- Equipment area - The equipment area should be inspected to make sure that all the equipment is in good working order and there are no obstructions or blockages.
- Gas piping - pressure/gas type - The gas piping should be inspected to make sure that there are no obstructions or blockages.
- Safety controls - Make sure the safety controls are functioning properly.
- Equipment condition/matching - The equipment should be inspected to make sure that there are no obstructions or blockages.
- VAV terminals - The VAV terminals should be inspected to make sure that the hot and cold air flows are balanced.
- Condensing units - Inspect that the insulation of the condensing units is in good condition.
Heat Pump Inspection Checklist
The Heat Pump Inspection Checklist is an easy way to keep your home safe and in good working order. The checklist can be downloaded as a PDF here, so you’ll have it ready when you need it.
- Check the refrigerant charge - While verifying the actual refrigerant charge, keep in mind these two things. The first step is to check for any leaks in the system, and then the second would be to ensure that there’s every part you need to repair the system.
- Check the temperature rise across the coil - Two people are required for this. One person can act as the inspector and take measurements while the other stands over by where the refrigerant enters into what’s called “the evaporator.” The inspector takes measurements at different points on the coil and reads out their findings.
- Run the defrost cycle - This should be done while the unit is running. The inspector needs to look for any frost on the coil, check whether air blows out of vents when it’s supposed to, and make sure none of the machines is getting the water or ice.
- Test the auxiliary heat staging - This test should be performed while the unit is running. The inspector needs to look for any frost on the coil, check whether air blows out of vents when it’s supposed to, and make sure that ice or water is not getting into the system.
- Ensure proper return air sizing, compressor, and filtration system - The inspector needs to look for any frost on the coil, check whether air blows out of vents when it’s supposed to, and make sure that ice or water is not getting into the system.
- Inspect for leaks, cleanliness, or deficiencies of coils - When inspecting a heat pump, the inspector should inspect for leaks in all of the coils. Then they will clean and replace any filters that are missing or damaged. The electrical components may be inspected to ensure proper functioning as well.
- Analyze and make adjustments to air flow - The inspector should look for any obstructions to the heating and cooling vents.
- Inspect ducts - When inspecting a furnace, the inspector should check that all of the heat registers are open to ensure that all rooms are getting the same amount of air conditioning or heating.
Gas Furnace Inspection Checklist
The Gas Furnace Inspection Checklist is an easy way to keep your home safe and in good working order. The checklist can be downloaded as a PDF here, so you can always have it ready in case it’s needed.
- Check the gas burners - When inspecting a gas furnace, the inspector would check to make sure that all of the components are working properly. For example, they will check for any signs of leaks in piping or damage to coils and burners.
- Check and/or clean the pilot tube - In order to prevent a gas leak, the inspector will also check to see if there is any buildup of soot blocking the pilot tube.
- Check the igniter for proper resistance and function - The inspector will also check to see if the igniter has any cracks in it. For this, they would measure its current resistance with an ohmmeter and then apply a voltage until there is a spark.
- Clean the flame sensor - The inspector would check to make sure that this part of your furnace is working properly by dusting off the flame sensor and then powering it up with a 9-volt battery.
- Check the blower motor amps and speed - The inspector will check the blower motor’s current, amps and speed.
- Check for proper ground wire - The inspector should also make sure that there is a good connection to the ground wire if it is installed.
- Check furnace motor - The inspector should check the furnace’s motor for proper movement by applying a voltage to the windings and observing if there is a reaction. He or she will also look out for loose wires or connections.
- Evaluate the temperature rise - The inspector will also measure the temperature rise in 6-inch increments to see how hot it is getting.
- Inspect the heat exchangers - The audit should preferably be conducted to inspect the furnace heat exchanger even if it is not present.
- Check for proper combustion - The inspector should also look for any signs of combustion, which can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Check the air registers - The inspector will check all air registers with a gauging meter or thermometer to ensure that the temperature is correct.
Chiller Inspection Checklist
The Chiller Inspection Checklist is an easy way to keep your home safe and in good working order. The checklist can be downloaded as a PDF here, keep it on hand when you need it.
- Temperature and pressure gauges - These gauges measure and monitor the temperature and pressure inside your home. These two forces work together to keep a comfortable interior environment, but they can also present dangers that need to be addressed if too much of either force is present.
- Prevent short cycling - Short cycling is when your HVAC system switches on and off so frequently that it can’t maintain a constant temperature. This often happens because the furnace blower shuts down to avoid overheating, but this can lead to drafts or freezing in the winter.
- Prevent pressure drops - When your HVAC system is working hard, it may cause a drop in your home’s air supply which will make your home feel like it’s getting colder.
- Inspect the chiller area and its general condition - The chiller is the device that keeps your HVAC system running at a constant temperature by converting chilled water to cold air. Inspect for any leaks, corrosion on the metal coils, or signs of mold or freeze damage.
- Drain water properly - If your system has a drain water line, then it needs to be drained when the unit is shut off.
- Ensure motor voltage and current are correct - The motor voltage is what runs your HVAC system, while the current provides power for other electrical devices in your home that need electricity to run at the same time. This is especially important if you have a newer HVAC system that has variable speed motors and an energy-saving mode, as this will help reduce your carbon footprint.
- Inspect refrigerant level - blower component testing and adjustment, thermostat inspection, and electrical connection. Reduce friction- Inspect the belt and fan blades for damage.
How can you hire a good HVAC inspector?
At the very least, it is important to know what services an HVAC inspection includes. When you are hiring a contractor for an HVAC inspection, make sure they have all the necessary tools and equipment to conduct the job properly. You should also be aware of how long your service will take before hiring them for the project. These factors can help ensure that you hire someone who will provide quality work with minimal downtime and little inconvenience.
Hiring a professional HVAC inspector can help you avoid costly mistakes. However, it’s important to make sure the company has the experience and is licensed with your state. Additionally, they should be able to provide pricing before scheduling service appointments.
The best way to find an experienced HVAC inspector is through referrals or online reviews from other customers who are happy with their service provider; this will help you hire someone reputable in your area for both residential and commercial projects.
Is HVAC tune-up the same as maintenance?
The difference between routine maintenance and HVAC tune-up is that an HVAC tune-up includes an inspection of your air conditioner and heater. A general rule of thumb for a multi-point inspection:
Inspect each system’s condenser, evaporator coil, compressor & fan motor.
Other points may include the following items:
Check for leaks in refrigerant piping; check expansion valve & pressure switch operation; inspect the outside unit including belt drive pulley assembly, condenser fan motor, and the outside unit’s drip pan.
The HVAC tune-up will also check all connections to ensure they are tight and functioning properly.
An HVAC tune-up is slightly different from routine HVAC maintenance. Routine maintenance will involve changing your air filters, checking the operation of all appliances and heating/cooling systems, and setting fans or air handlers in a way that will maintain home comfort.

Try Now
ServiceFolder's field service scheduling software free plan is perfect for small businesses with up to three people or less. It includes time tracking, scheduling, and mobile app features that make it one of the best mobile field service management software solutions for small businesses available. It is perfect for any small business company within the field service industry that wants to use technology to increase performance and productivity.