Originally published in November 2023. Last updated on January 14th, 2025.
A thorough HVAC inspection shows your customers that you are an experienced, trustworthy HVAC contractor with consistently excellent quality control measures.
We have checklists for 9 different HVAC system inspections that you can use as a guideline—and a printable HVAC inspection checklist template you can download for free.
How to use an HVAC checklist
There are three ways to use each commercial or residential HVAC inspection checklist listed in this article:
- Download, print, and use our free template as-is.
- Copy the list items that work for your business and paste them into your own regular HVAC maintenance checklist.
- Copy and paste the inspection tasks into a customizable job form in Jobber. This makes it easy for your HVAC technicians to record every inspection task completed—from any mobile device—and make sure nothing slips through the cracks.
9 HVAC inspection checklists for different systems:
1. Air conditioner inspection
- Inspect the outdoor condensing unit
- Inspect and clean the condenser coil to remove dirt and debris
- Inspect and clean the evaporator coil
- Inspect the blower assembly
- Check blower speed
- Inspect lines for visible refrigerant leaks or damage
- Check the condensate drain pan and drain line for damage
- Check air registers and ducts for cleanliness
- Check refrigerant lines for leaks or damage
- Ensure that superheat and subcooling are correct
- Inspect the drain line
- Check electrical components and look for loose or damaged connections
- Verify that all equipment has the correct voltage
- Inspect the suction and discharge pressure
- Inspect supply and return air static pressure
- Inspect belts for wear and tightness
- Clean the control panel and ensure it works properly
- Verify thermostat sensors are working properly
- Ensure the thermostat is operating as required
- Verify that temperatures decrease as required
- Take note of any necessary AC maintenance and repair work
- Cycle the HVAC system to make sure it’s working properly
2. Heat pump inspection
- Make sure the outdoor coil is clean, undamaged, and free of ice buildup or debris
- Ensure the pump is elevated from the ground and away from leaky gutters
- Check for and repair air duct leakage
- Take note of any necessary heat pump repair work
- Inspect and clean the condenser coil
- Inspect and clean the evaporator coil
- Check the bearings and blower motor
- Examine the blower belt and take note of wear or tension
- Inspect lines for visible refrigerant leaks
- Check the condensate drain pan and drain line for damage
- Check air registers and ducts for cleanliness
- Check refrigerant lines for leaks
- Ensure that superheat and subcooling are correct
- Inspect the drain line
- Check electrical components and look for loose or damaged connections
- Verify that all equipment has the correct voltage
- Inspect the suction and discharge pressure
- Inspect supply and return air static pressure
- Lubricate motors and inspect belts for wear and tightness
- Inspect the thermostat and ensure the control panel is clean and functional
- Verify thermostat sensors are working properly
- Verify that temperatures increase as required
- Take note of any necessary HVAC maintenance and repair work
- Cycle the HVAC system to make sure it’s working properly
3. Ductless mini split inspection
Outdoor unit
- Inspect the outdoor housing unit
- Check all wires and pipes on the outdoor condensing unit
- Listen for excessive vibration on the condenser
- Inspect the blower fan, motor, and electrical system
- Check if the blower is running at the right speed
- Clean the HVAC filter and check for damage
- Inspect refrigerant lines for visible leaks
- Ensure that superheat and subcooling are correct
- Check electrical components and look for loose or damaged connections
- Inspect the condensate drain pan and drain line
- Inspect the mini split’s wiring and control unit
- Inspect the suction and discharge pressure
- Inspect supply and return air static pressure
- Verify that all equipment has the correct voltage
- Clean the control panel and inspect thermostat operation and programming
- Verify that temperatures increase and decrease as required
- Take note of any necessary HVAC maintenance and repair work
- Cycle the HVAC system to make sure it’s working properly
Indoor unit
- Check that remote batteries are charged
- Inspect indoor housing
- Clean the indoor coil and inspect for damage
- Clean the louver motor and make sure it’s functional
- Check air filters for damage, ice, or excessive dust
- Inspect refrigerant lines for visible leaks
- Inspect flare connections
- Inspect condensate line and confirm pump is operational
- Inspect blower wheel
- Inspect the mini split’s wiring and control unit
- Verify that all equipment has the correct voltage
- Inspect the thermostat operation and programming
- Flush the drain line
- Take note of any necessary HVAC maintenance and repair work
- Cycle the HVAC system to make sure it’s working properly
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4. Gas furnace inspection
- Listen for excessive noise or vibration when the furnace is running
- Check that the blower fan is properly connected
- Inspect the blower assembly for proper operation
- Check the air filter for dirt accumulation
- Inspect the heat exchanger for corrosion, cracks, or damage in the ignitor, flame sensor, and associated wiring
- Listen for clicking in the spark ignitor (if installed)
- Inspect wiring and control circuit
- Check that wires are secured to the pressure switches
- Check electrical components and look for loose or damaged connections
- Check the cover panel for signs of water, corrosion, and blockage
- Check that all furnace safety controls work properly
- Inspect the gas piping and gas valve assembly for leaks
- Check if vent connector pipes are securely fastened and supported
- Check ductwork for damage and moisture accumulation
- Check sensors for accuracy
- Confirm the correct voltage to the equipment
- Verify supply and return air static pressures
- Test and measure carbon monoxide levels around the furnace
- Verify thermostat operation and programming
- Clean or replace the filter
- Check motor amps
- Check inlet and outlet gas pressure
- Verify that temperatures increase as required during operation
- Ensure all components of the furnace unit are clean and free of dust and debris
- Take note of any necessary furnace maintenance and repair work
- Cycle the furnace to check for proper operation
5. Electric furnace inspection
- Check that the blower fan is clean, undamaged, and operating properly
- Measure blower motor amp draw
- Check air filters for dust and dirt
- Check that all humidifier components are positioned properly
- Check heat strips for corrosion, pitting, or burns
- Measure heat strip amp draw
- Verify the continuity of heat strips
- Check that sequencers are operating properly
- Check electrical components and look for loose or damaged connections
- Inspect fuses
- Inspect limit switches
- Check ductwork for cracks, holes, and gas leaks
- Test low voltage and line voltage across the thermostat’s terminals
- Replace the filter or clean the air cleaner
- Take note of any necessary furnace maintenance and repair work
- Cycle the furnace to check for proper operation
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Whether it goes into the customer’s profile or in the notes section, I can access those in the office, on the road and anyone on my team can access that information as well.
6. Hot water tank inspection
- Check for visible rust and leaks in the unit and piping
- Check tank temperature setting and hot water output temperature
- Inspect burners
- Confirm flame is visible
- Confirm relief valve is operational
- Check venting system
- Check drainage from the valve
- Ensure equipment is clean and free of dust and debris
- Take note of any necessary HVAC maintenance and repair work
- Cycle the HVAC system to make sure it’s working properly
7. Tankless water heater inspection
- Check for water leaks surrounding the system
- Clean out sediment, dust, and oil from the water filter
- Remove and clean dirt traps
- Check the hot water temperature
- Confirm flame is visible
- Confirm relief valve is operational
- Check venting system
- Look for any fault codes
- Inspect and clean the burner
- Inspect and clean the spark rod, inlet filter, and flame sensor
- Inspect and clean the combustion chamber
- Flush the hot water system with white distilled vinegar (if the unit is less than 5 years old)
- Ensure equipment is clean and free of dust and debris
- Take note of any necessary HVAC maintenance and repair work
- Cycle the HVAC system to make sure it’s working properly
8. Indoor HVAC inspection
- Check thermostat settings and performance
- Inspect all filters and clean/replace if needed
- Ensure all systems are clean and free of damage
- Inspect and clean registers to improve airflow
- Check the furnace for rust or damage
- Drain and flush all water systems
- Lubricate equipment as needed
- Check air quality equipment (e.g., humidifier, dehumidifier, air purifier)
- Check indoor air quality and humidity levels
- Check ambient temperature in various areas of the building
- Check water temperatures
- Listen for unusual sounds during operation
- Take note of any necessary HVAC maintenance and repair work
- Cycle the HVAC system to make sure it’s working properly
9. Outdoor HVAC inspection
- Check the unit for damage (e.g., rust, dents, broken parts)
- Check thermostat settings and performance
- Check to make sure all systems are clean and free of debris
- Ensure units are raised above the ground, securely mounted, and sitting level
- Make sure the unit is at least 2 feet away from other objects
- Check refrigerant lines for damage or leaks
- Check electrical components and look for loose or damaged connections
- Inspect the condensate drain pan and drain line
- Check for correct voltage and secure connections
- Inspect all components for damage, corrosion, wear, and tension
- Verify that temperatures increase and decrease as required
- Listen for unusual sounds during operation
- Take note of any necessary HVAC maintenance and repair work
- Cycle the HVAC system to make sure it’s working properly
How to use HVAC software to create inspection checklists
Binders full of paper inspection checklists are a time-consuming headache. Be more efficient with inspections by checking off tasks from your smartphone or tablet.
You can easily create custom site inspection checklists in Jobber to keep a digital, shareable record of the tasks you or your technicians have completed.
Just add your HVAC inspection checklist items to a new job form. Once you attach that job form to a scheduled visit in Jobber, your techs can access it in your HVAC CRM and check off items as they go.
When a job is complete, send the completed checklist to customers online with just a few clicks. These to-do lists show customers exactly what tasks your team completed—and ensure top-notch service on every single visit.
READ MORE:8 strategies to boost and grow your HVAC business
Pro Tip: Not ready to create your own digital checklists? Download our inspection PDF and customize it to fit your customers’ systems and their manufacturers’ recommendations.
It feels amazing when you can just do everything on your phone in your van, ’cause you’re gonna be on the go 24/7.
What to include in an HVAC inspection checklist
Your HVAC system inspection checklist should include tasks to check every component found in an HVAC system. Make sure to check these types of components, no matter what unit type you’re inspecting:
- Heating and cooling elements: In your customers’ furnaces and AC units, inspect heat strips, spark igniters, flame sensors, evaporator coils, condenser coils, and condensate drain lines.
- Air filters: Check the air filters on every unit for excessive dust, dirt, ice buildup, or other obstructions that prevent proper airflow. Many customers neglect to clean their air filters—a regular inspection and maintenance task that’s important for indoor air quality.
- Blower assembly: Look carefully at every HVAC unit’s blower and its fan blades, motor, filter, and supporting components.
- Electrical wiring and controls: Check for proper connection of every wire that keeps the HVAC system running, including the thermostat wire system.
- Pressure and charge: Always measure the pressure and charge of a customer’s AC unit or packaged HVAC system to improve the system’s energy efficiency and lifespan.
- Ductwork: Check the upper and lower ducts and the insulation surrounding them for damage, such as damp spots or mold.
Once you’ve added the checklist items from this article to your own checklist, consult your most experienced technicians on what other tasks to include.
In addition to standard HVAC preventive maintenance and inspection tasks, your checklist should also include:
- Customer name and contact details
- Building address
- Date of inspection
- Name and title of the HVAC technician conducting the inspection
- Recommended date for next inspection
When you’re done with the inspection, provide a written report detailing your findings. This is easy to do with HVAC apps like Jobber since you can send a copy of the completed checklist directly to the customer.
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Why do you need an inspection checklist?
There are several reasons why it’s a good idea to have an inspection checklist:
- Ensure all inspection tasks are remembered and completed as part of your quality control plan
- Improve efficiency by outlining the order in which inspection tasks should be done
- Provide the client with an accurate report on the condition of the building’s HVAC equipment (and the tasks you completed that day)
- Easily highlight any current concerns, possible problems, and areas needing upgrades or maintenance so the client can plan for potentially costly repair
An HVAC inspection is also an essential part of any home inspection, whether a customer is looking to buy or sell a home. Your inspection can affect the home’s purchase price, so it needs to be as accurate as possible.
How often should HVAC systems be inspected?
You should inspect, clean, and tune up all HVAC systems at least once a year, but ideally twice. Inspect heating systems in the fall and air conditioning systems in the spring so your customers’ HVAC equipment is prepared to handle severe weather.
It’s also a good idea to inspect a furnace or AC system a few weeks after installation or heavy repairs, just to make sure the system is functioning properly.
Boost efficiency with HVAC inspection checklists
Quality control is an essential part of running an HVAC business. When you use inspection checklists to stay accurate and efficient, you can improve the quality of your work and increase demand for your services.
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