An HVAC Inspection Checklist for Every System (+ Free Download)
Running careful HVAC inspections is crucial—not just to troubleshoot your customers’ systems properly and avoid errors.
Thorough inspections show your customers you have experienced, trustworthy HVAC contractors. When you have good quality control, you can sell more HVAC service contracts.
We have checklists for six different HVAC system inspections that you can use as a guideline—and a printable HVAC inspection checklist template you can download for free.
6 HVAC inspection checklists for different systems:
1. Air conditioner inspection
- Inspect the outdoor condensing unit
- Inspect the condenser coil
- Inspect the evaporator coil
- Inspect the blower assembly
- Check blower speed
- Inspect lines for visible refrigerant leaks
- Check the condensate drain pan for damage
- Check air registers and ducts for cleanliness
- Check for refrigerant leaks
- Ensure that superheat and subcooling are correct
- Inspect the drain line
- Check for loose electrical connections
- Verify that all equipment has the correct voltage
- Inspect the suction and discharge pressure
- Inspect belts for wear and tightness
- Ensure the control panel works properly
- Verify thermostat sensors are working properly
- Take note of any necessary AC repair work
To start building an AC inspection checklist you can use on the job, copy and paste the inspection tasks above into a customizable job form in Jobber:
Jobber helps your technicians record every inspection task completed—from any mobile device—and make sure nothing slips through the cracks.
2. Heat pump inspection
- Verify thermostat sensors are working properly
- Check the exterior for snow or ice buildup (winter/spring)
- Check for dirt on outdoor coils
- 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 the condenser coil
- Inspect the evaporator coil
- Check the bearings and blower motor
- Examine the blower belt, wear, and tension
- Inspect lines for visible refrigerant leaks
- Check the condensate drain pan for damage
- Check air registers and ducts for cleanliness
- Check for refrigerant leaks
- Ensure that superheat and subcooling are correct
- Inspect the drain line
- Check for loose electrical connections
- Verify that all equipment has the correct voltage
- Inspect the suction and discharge pressure
- Lubricate motors and inspect belts for wear and tightness
- Ensure the control panel works properly
How often should HVAC systems be inspected?
You should inspect, clean, and tune up all HVAC systems at least once a year. Inspect heating systems in the fall and AC in the spring so your customers’ equipment is prepared to handle severe weather.
3. Ductless mini split inspection
Outdoor 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
Indoor unit
- Check that remote batteries are charged
- Inspect the indoor coil for damage
- Check if the louver motor is working properly
- Check air filters for damage, ice, or excessive dust
- Inspect refrigerant lines for visible leaks
- Inspect the mini split’s wiring and control unit
- Inspect the thermostat operation and programming
- Take note of any necessary repair work
4. Gas furnace inspection
- Listen for excessive noise or vibration when furnace is running
- Check that the blower fan is properly connected
- Inspect the blower assembly for proper functioning
- 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 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
- Check if vent connector pipes are securely fastened and supported
- Check ductwork for damage and moisture accumulation
- Verify correct voltage to furnace equipment
- Verify supply and return air static pressures
- Test and measure carbon monoxide around the furnace
- Inspect thermostat operation and programming
- Check inlet and outlet gas pressure
- Cycle the furnace to check for proper operation
- Take note of any necessary furnace repair work
5. Electric furnace inspection
- Check that 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 tightness of electrical wires and check for dead batteries
- Inspect fuses
- Inspect limit switches
- Check ductwork for cracks, holes, and gas leaks
- Test voltage across the thermostat’s terminals
- Cycle the furnace to check for proper operation
6. Tankless water heater inspection
- Clean out sediment, dust, and oil from the water filter
- Check for water leaks surrounding the system
- Remove and clean dirt traps
- Inspect and clean the burner
- Inspect and clean the spark rod and flame sensor
- Inspect and clean the combustion chamber
- Check the hot water temperature
- Check flame visibility and performance
- Check if the relief valve is working properly
- Flush the hot water system with white distilled vinegar
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 checklist items to a new job form. Once you attach that job form to a scheduled visit in Jobber, your techs can access it and check off items as they go.
Then, send these checklists to customers online, in minutes. These to-do lists create accountability and ensure top-notch service on every single visit.
Pro Tip: If you’re not ready to dive into digital checklists, download our inspection PDF and customize it to fit your customers’ system and their manufacturers’ recommendations.
What to include in an HVAC inspection checklist
Your HVAC system inspection checklist should include tasks to check every component that an HVAC system needs to run properly.
To cover all your bases, add tasks to check these types of components—no matter the unit type:
- 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 maintenance task that’s important for 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 upper and lower ducts—and the insulation surrounding those ducts—for any damage like 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.