Before an HVAC inspection, the area around both indoor and outdoor units needs to be clean and easy to reach. I also list all strange noises and temperature changes before my HVAC inspections, helping techs diagnose problems faster.
Depending on your needs, you may opt for either routine checks or thorough system inspections. Typically, the HVAC tech spends around one to three hours checking the whole system and testing performance. You’ll receive a detailed report covering system conditions, needed repairs, and recommendations for optimal performance.
Understanding HVAC Service Types: Routine Inspections vs. Inspection
There’s often confusion between routine check-up visits and comprehensive inspections. First of all, it’s important to note that HVAC inspections and routine pre-season maintenance are often the same service, so you don’t need to schedule them separately.
While both routine pre-season maintenance and comprehensive inspections include many of the same tasks, comprehensive inspections are more detailed and thorough. Here’s how they differ:
- Scope: Routine maintenance focuses on preparing the system for the upcoming season, while comprehensive inspections provide a detailed evaluation of the system’s overall condition.
- Detail: Comprehensive inspections include more in-depth checks and documentation, such as energy efficiency testing and a thorough assessment of the system’s age and condition.
- Frequency: Routine maintenance is typically done twice a year (spring and fall), whereas comprehensive inspections are often performed during home purchases or when there are significant concerns about the system.
| When and What | What’s Included | Average Cost |
| Spring and fall Visual inspection, maintenance | ● System cleaning ● Performance testing ● Lubricate moving parts ● Check thermostat functionality ● Basic repairs ● Safety checks ● Report | $85 to $170 per visit |
| Special Cases (Home purchase or issue) Compressive inspection | ● Full system evaluation ● Energy efficiency testing ● Detailed documentation ● Age and condition assessment | $300 per visit |
| Emergency/ Repair inspections | ● Quick diagnosis ● Critical repairs ● Safety checks | $160 to $250 per hour |
*Note: Regular professional visits typically combine both inspection and maintenance tasks.
Prepare for Your HVAC Inspection
Whether it’s your routine HVAC check-up or a thorough inspection, preparing for your HVAC appointment saves time and helps the technician identify problems faster, making the process more efficient.
Here’s what you need to do before the appointment:
- Clear Access Points: Clear space around your units – at least two to three feet around. Make sure techs can safely reach equipment in the attics or crawl space. Keep pets away.
- System Information: Find the model numbers on your HVAC units. Look for old service records and warranty information. Note when your system was last serviced.
- Document Problems: Note when issues started happening. Listen for weird noises and check if rooms feel too hot or cold. Keep track of how long your system runs each cycle.
- Home Access and Authorization: An adult (18 or older) must be home during the service visit. If you’re renting, get your landlord’s permission beforehand.
- Special Conditions: If your heat pump or air conditioner is frozen, turn it off several hours before the appointment to let it thaw naturally.
- Be Payment Ready: Have your preferred payment method ready, as you’ll need to pay when the service is complete. On average, an HVAC inspection costs around $300.
- Filter and Maintenance: Check your filters – they should look light-colored, not grey or black. Clean up leaves and sticks around the outside unit. Here is our complete guide on How to Maintain Your HVAC System.
My Tip: Remember your phone – techs call before coming. If you miss their call, you’ll need to schedule another appointment through the entire booking system.
What to Expect During an HVAC Inspection
Every HVAC check follows a specific plan. Technicians use checklists to make sure they don’t miss anything important while checking your system. Though services differ by your area (local building codes) and system’s specifics, most inspections cover the same basic steps.
I keep my own checklist that matches my HVAC type (which is a heat pump). This helps me know what questions to ask the HVAC inspector and understand what they’re checking. Here’s what techs typically check during their inspection, depending on your system type:
Cooling System Technical Checks
The cooling system tasks apply to air conditioners and heat pumps (cooling mode). Some of the main technical elements the professionals want to inspect include:
| Component Type | Inspection Points |
| Core Components | ✓ Clean coils (evaporator/condenser) ✓ Check refrigerant levels ✓ Inspect for refrigerant leaks ✓ Inspect blower assembly ✓ Check condenser system ✓ Inspect belts for wear and tightness ✓ Check for unusual noises |
| Electrical | ✓ Test voltage and connections ✓ Check control board ✓ Verify thermostat ✓ Test safety controls |
| Airflow | ✓ Check static pressure ✓ Inspect ductwork ✓ Test air temperature ✓ Verify proper airflow ✓ Check blower speed |
*The above checklist combines both Energy Star requirements and industry standard practices for thorough spring/fall maintenance inspections.
Heating System Technical Checks
Heating system inspections differ depending on the type of heater you have—a heat pump (heating mode), gas furnace, or boiler. Each has key parts that need regular checks for safety and performance.
Let’s see what tasks apply to each type:
| Component Type | Inspection Points |
| Gas Furnace | ✓ Inspect gas connections for leaks ✓ Check inlet and outlet gas pressure ✓ Measure fuel and air mixture ratios ✓ Inspect burners and flame sensors ✓ Test ignitor functionality |
| Boiler | ✓ Check water pressure and temperature readings ✓ Inspect hydronic piping system ✓ Test relief valve and discharge pipe ✓ Check condensate drain system ✓ Examine burner assembly and flame pattern |
| Heat Pump (Heating Mode) | ✓ Check refrigerant levels ✓ Test reversing valve operation ✓ Inspect defrost controls ✓ Check compressor amp draw ✓ Verify crankcase heater operation ✓ Monitor coil temperature |
| Airflow Components | ✓ Clean or replace air filters ✓ Check blower assembly and motor ✓ Verify static air pressures ✓ Inspect and clean ductwork ✓ Examine blower belt condition and tension |
| Ventilation | ✓ Inspect combustion air openings ✓ Check vent terminations for blockages ✓ Examine flue gas vent piping ✓ Verify proper system ventilation |
| General Checks | ✓ Test carbon monoxide levels ✓ Verify all safety controls are operational ✓ Inspect electrical connections and wiring ✓ Check for unusual noises or vibrations ✓ Calibrate and test thermostat functionality ✓ Verify temperature changes during operation ✓ Test control circuits ✓ Check all safety switches and sensors ✓ Clean and inspect heat exchanger condition ✓ Check for cracks or damage ✓ Verify proper heat transfer efficiency |
*The above checklist combines both Energy Star requirements and industry standard practices for thorough spring/fall maintenance inspections.
What to Expect After an HVAC Inspection
After inspection, the technician explains what they found in simple terms. They tell you which problems need fixing first and why they matter.
For instance, during the last regular HVAC check-up, my tech found a clogged drain line. He showed me how backed-up water could damage the HVAC unit and my house. He cleared the line and told me how to check for clogs myself. Now I know why such a small problem matters so much.
Additionally, the HVAC tech will also offer a:
- Inspection Report: This report includes a detailed checklist of all inspected components, their condition, and any performance measurements taken.
- System Performance Evaluation: The technician will tell you how well your HVAC system is running, how long it might last, and how efficiently it’s working.
- Provide recommendations: These could involve routine maintenance, necessary repairs, or even a system upgrade if your current setup is aging or inefficient.
- Safety assessment documentation: A report confirming they checked for carbon monoxide levels, gas leak detection, and electrical connection integrity.
- Discuss estimates: If repairs are needed, you’ll get price estimates for each repair. For bigger issues, they may schedule a follow-up visit for detailed quotes.
Why HVAC Inspections are Crucial
An HVAC inspection involves a licensed HVAC contractor meticulously examining every part of your home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system.
This process is important for several reasons. As experts from Florida Academy explain, “To prevent HVAC problems, reduce electricity costs, and help your system last longer, it’s smart to give it a regular checkup in addition to changing filters regularly.”
I highly recommend reading our complete guide, Why HVAC Inspections are Crucial, to discover all the key reasons to schedule at least one HVAC inspection annually.
FAQ About HVAC Inspections
Professional maintenance with basic inspection should happen twice yearly – spring for AC and fall for heating. However, a comprehensive inspection might be needed when:
● Buying a home
● System performance drops significantly
● After major repairs
● If the system is over 10 years old
● You notice unusual noises
A home inspection, as ASHI states, “objectively examines a house’s physical structure and systems,” providing a broad overview. An HVAC inspection, however, specifically focuses on your heating and cooling systems.
HVAC specialists examine technical components like drain pans, condensate lines, capacitors, and heat pumps, which require expert evaluation.
Ready to Schedule Your Next HVAC Inspection?
Regular HVAC inspections have always protected my home from unexpected breakdowns, providing peace of mind during extreme weather. I mean, who wants their AC dying in summer, right? Plus, HVAC check-ups helped me spot small issues before they turned big and costly.
Are your bills higher than before? Maybe some rooms don’t feel right – too hot or cold? It might be time to check your HVAC system, especially if it’s been over a year. Home Gnome connects you with top HVAC technicians for inspections whenever needed.
Main Photo Credit: StockMediaProduction | Adobe Stock
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