The All-In-One HVAC Inspection Checklist

An HVAC checklist helps you breathe easier when buying a new home or maintaining your current one. HVAC is short for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, and these systems are what keep your home warm in the winter, cool in the summer, and ensure good airflow all year long. 

Whether your HVAC is due for a tune-up, parts of the system need repairs, or you want a thorough inspection as a prospective buyer of a property, it’s important to take note of anything that may need your attention. With a complete HVAC inspection checklist in hand, you can be confident you’ve covered all your bases. 

Checking the Air Conditioner and/or Heat Pump

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A complete AC inspection is one of the first steps in checking a home’s HVAC system, and should be performed by a certified HVAC technician. Your AC technician may complete maintenance cleaning tasks, including removing debris around outdoor HVAC equipment or cleaning the condenser coils. They may also recommend repairing or replacing certain parts. 

As the technician inspects your air conditioning system, they may:

• Test the thermostat

• Check refrigerant levels

• Inspect the condensing unit outside

• Inspect the condenser and evaporator coils

• Look for refrigerant leaks in lines

• Check the drain pan, drain line, and p-trap

• Inspect the blower motor and assembly

• Look for any damage to the control unit, electrical components, or wiring

• Verify the correct voltage for the equipment

• Test the supply and return air pressure

• Ensure all safety equipment is working and enabled

• Confirm effective temperature drop

• Check if the air filter is dirty or needs to be replaced

• Inspect air ducts for cleanliness, leakage, and signs of moisture

• Listen for unusual noises

• Inspect the heat pump

Checklist for a Furnace Inspection

A furnace inspection depends on whether the home has a gas or electric furnace. Some elements remain common, like calibrating the thermostat and evaluating airflow levels, but other items can be unique to the type of furnace in the home. 

Gas Furnace Inspection

The main items on a gas furnace inspection checklist include:

• Perform a thermostat test

• Visually inspect the heat exchangers

• Check all gas connections to look for signs of leaks

• Assess the inlet and outlet gas pressure

• Inspect all electrical hardware, control circuits, and wiring

• Check the blower assembly

• Measure the fuel and air mixture to ensure it’s correct

• Testing and calibrating sensors

• Confirm safety controls are in place and operational

• Verify correct changes in temperature when running

• Inspect burners, motors, and other equipment

• Verify static air pressures for supply and return

• Measure carbon monoxide levels

• Listen for unusual noises

• Check the condition of all air filters

• Check relevant ductwork

• Inspect the ignitor, flame sensor, and burner manifold

Electric Furnace Inspection

Many tasks in an HVAC inspection checklist for a gas furnace also apply to electric furnaces. The HVAC technician will still test the thermostat and confirm that safety controls are operating correctly. Because there is no gas involved, though, they do not need to check for gas leaks or measure the air/fuel mixture.

Common parts and hardware to be inspected include:

• Fuses

• Limit switches

• Sequencers

• Heat strips

• Blower motors

• Voltage wiring

• Electronic air cleaner

Inspecting the Hot Water Heater

Another major part of a complete HVAC inspection is checking the hot water heater. Many homes are equipped with a hot water tank. In that case, the certified technician may include such tasks in their HVAC inspection checklist as:

• Test hot water temperature at a faucet

• Verify the temperature setting at the hot water tank

• Confirm the flame is visible and operational

• Inspect the burners at the tank

• Check the physical condition of the hot water tank

• Look for rust, leaks, and other signs of damage or wear and tear

• Drain water from the drain valve

• Confirm the presence and tightness of earthquake straps

• Inspect the venting system

• Check available safety controls

• Look for any mineral build-up

Checklist for Tankless Hot Water Systems 

The obvious difference with inspecting tankless hot water systems is that there is no hot water tank. Some steps on a tankless hot water inspection checklist may include:

• Verify the effectiveness of hot water at the tap

• Look to make sure the flame is performing as it should

• Inspect burners, flame sensors, and spark rod

• Check all valves and filters for condition and function

• Confirm the system is not producing any fault codes

• Look for sediment, dust, or debris in the water filter

• Check for leaks or signs of leaks 

• Inspect the combustion chamber

When to Book a Residential HVAC Home Inspection

As a homeowner, booking an HVAC home inspection in the spring can ensure your air conditioner will stand up to the heat of the summer. Similarly, an inspection in the fall can best prepare your home for the colder winter months.

A professional HVAC home inspection can identify potential issues before they escalate into bigger repair bills. People who are thinking about buying or selling a home can also benefit from inspecting the HVAC system by identifying concerns and taking the necessary steps to address them. 

How Much Does an HVAC Inspection Cost?

An HVAC inspection costs $300 on average, though you might pay $70 to $500 or more, depending on the size of your home, the type of system you own, and whether your unit is in a hard-to-reach spot like a crawl space or attic.

Bigger homes often benefit from inspectors who charge flat fees, while smaller spaces may come in on the lower end of the range. If you are considering skipping an inspection, keep in mind that a yearly inspection can help identify issues before they become expensive repairs.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

Many homeowners think that tackling an HVAC inspection is doable. However, these systems are more complex than they appear. A professional knows how to measure airflow, test refrigerant, and catch brewing issues before they snowball into major repairs. Skipping those details can lead to higher bills or even a breakdown when you need heating or cooling the most.

Additionally, many local HVAC technicians will provide homeowners with a detailed assessment of their system’s health, helping them keep it efficient, extend its lifespan, and avoid unexpected costs.