HVAC Inspection Checklist

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HVAC Inspection Checklist


HVAC Inspection Checklist | What Technicians Should Check


An effective HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system plays a vital role in giving us comfortable, healthy, and efficient air quality in our buildings all year round. As a homeowner who wants to have a preliminary idea of what a technician can look at, or a qualified technician about to perform a routine, a well-rounded checklist helps to be sure one does not miss out on any part.


HVAC is a complicated combination of electrical and mechanical systems, and regular check-ups (which may be conducted by HVAC contractors Los Angeles provides) can help avoid expensive failure, extend life span, and enhance overall performance. A big list of items, this HVAC inspection checklist addresses all areas of concern and a technician ought to visit when performing seasonal service or conducting a service call, broken down by system components and zones of operation.




General Checklist of the HVAC System



  • Reply and adjust the thermostats.

  • Change or otherwise clean air filters as necessary.

  • Legitimate power supply is well-grounded and sane.

  • Make sure that all switching points of the systems are in the proper position.

  • Check electrical wiring, inspect it to see any wear, corrosion of connections.

  • Look through the start-up and shut-down cycles on a check system.

  • Hear the abnormal sounds while running.

  • Test the nose for any burning or musty smell that could be a pointer to problems.

  • Look out to see the presence of water leakage around the system.

  • Cutting and busting machines, cut out switches.




Thermostat and Controls Checklist



  • Install a thermostat to ensure accuracy in the process of temperature control.

  • Make sure that programmable thermostats are set in accordance with the daily schedules.

  • Thermostats wear out batteries that are replaceable.

  • Connection of the thermostat to the HVAC.

  • Inspect wires leading to the thermostat to look for cases of fraying and disconnections.

  • The thermostat should be used to test the functioning of the system ( Ventilation, heating/ cooling cycles).

  • In case it is necessary, replace obsolete thermostats with energy-efficient or smart thermostats.

  • Designate and write all zones of the thermostats of multiple zones.




Air Filter and Ventilation Inspection List



  • Find out all the air filters in the system.

  • Inspect and replace, or clean, and remove the debris and the block.

  • They have replaceable filters or washable filters.

  • Specifically, the system is suited to confirm filter rating (MERV).

  • Clean or find dirty return air grills.

  • The ducts of the check must be cleared of any blockage, dust, or pests.

  • Dutch doors, panes, and vents must be open and not closed with furniture or carpets.

  • Presence of mold or mildew on air vents.

  • Ensure that there is the right air pressure and balance of air flow between different rooms.

  • When the ductwork is flailing around the attic or basements, or is squished.




HVAC Units: What to Check In Your System


Different HVAC units have different checklists. Find them here:



Checklist of the Heating System




  • The system of ignition without a test (spark or hot surface ignitor).

  • See that the burner assembly and the gas pressure are not faulty.

  • Inspect to know whether there is a crack or corrosion in the heat exchanger.

  • Check the flame sensor and clean it up when it is needed.

  • The furnace does not operate incorrectly.

  • The temperature increase of the membrane in the heat exchanger

  • Have a clean combustion chamber and inspect to see the buildup of soot.

  • Electrical ignition check light pilot

  • Limit switches and other safety controls.

  • Obstructions on the flue pipe and exhaust vents.

  • Make sure there are carbon monoxide detectors around the furnace zones

  • Lack of oil to feed the motor bearings of the blower (if applicable)

  • Blower and check filters, furnace.

  • The outdoor heat pump unit is horizontal and debris-free.

  • Making the heat pump work in reverse.



Heat Pump Cooling System Checklist




  • Visually check the outside condensing coil and clean it.

  • Measuring pressure and readings by use of refrigerant gauges.

  • Pay attention to loss in the refrigerant (hisser, oil spots).

  • Clean the air handling coil, or furnace coil, and evaporator

  • Check the condenser, capacitor, contactor, and other electrical parts.

  • Ensure that the fan motor is operational and the blades are spinning in the right direction and are not obstructed.

  • Check the condensate drain line to determine that there are no obstructions and drainage.

  • Sterilize and vacuum out the condensate drain pan.

  • The compressor runs and works perfectly.

  • Cooling of the length of the evaporator coil

  • Make sure that there is proper clearance of the outdoor unit (at least 2 feet).

  • Look out to check vibration or noise outdoors.



Duct Checklist Airflow Inspection Checklist




  • Inspect the supply and discharge duct work in order to find out where there is leaking air.

  • Mastic or foil tape should be used to seal any joint or seam of ducts.

  • Inspect the unconditioned spaces' ducts to check for damage on ducts.

  • With the use of an anemometer, measure the airflow at vents.

  • Smoke pencils should be used to detect backdrafts and leakage.

  • The placement of mistake dampers is correct according to the airflow during a particular season.

  • Air imbalance in rooms must be identified and corrected.

  • Check ductwork to see if there is damage from rodents or infestation of pests.

  • Size the duct to attain a substantive overall balance.

  • Recommend cleaning in case build-up has been seen in the duct

  • The ducts should not be sagging.



Refrigerant System Checklist




  • The performance is measured in terms of superheat and subcooling levels.

  • Check the type of refrigerant and ensure it is the right one according to the specifications of that system.

  • Check the service valves and the Schrader ports just to be sure that nothing is leaking.

  • Make sure that Ensure is not undercharged or overcharged

  • Coils, lines can be tested with an electronic leak detector.

  • The TXV (thermal expansion valve ) is working fine.

  • Condenser and evaporator coils were boarded to boost convection.

  • Make sure the suction and liquid pipelines are not kinked and that they do not have broken insulation.

  • Readings on the refrigerant should be recorded in the maintenance records.

  • Ensure that the recovery and charging process of the refrigerant is the way the EPA prescribes it.



Ventilation and IAQ (Indoor Air Quality) Checklist




  • Filters used in mechanical ventilation ( HRVs or ERVs ).

  • Make sure the exhaust fans in both bathrooms and the kitchen are working.

  • Make sure that the ventilation of the attic space is effective.

  • Check the humidity in indoor rooms-Optimal is between 30 and 50 percent.

  • Suggest cleaners such as the air purifiers or the UV lights where allergies are constant.

  • Make sure that ducts are airtight to prevent the emission of contaminated spaces.

  • Looking at air handlers and vents will produce an indication of condensation or mold.

  • Replace or wash the inline air cleaner or the Indoor air qualifier

  • Inspect fresh air inlets to see whether they have been blocked or have been polluted.

  • Inform the homeowners on the seasonal methods of good ventilation.



Blower and Air Handler Inspection List




  • Inspect the blower wheel to determine whether it is dirty, rusted, and whether it is unbalanced.

  • The blower motor has to be wiped with grease as needed.

  • Test the fan speed and check that there is delivery of air.

  • Cap and motor amp check.

  • Belt pairs are compressed and run in parallel.

  • Hear that noise of a grinding or a screeching.

  • Do a reading of the duct system pressure static.

  • The hardware for checking the blower mount is supposed to be tight.

  • Replace worn brackets or pulleys on the motor (new ones) in case of necessity.

  • Test the check blower relay and also the delay settings.



Combustion and Gas System Checklist




  • You need to do a combustion analysis using a calibrated tester.

  • Make sure that there is a good flue draft, adequate venting.

  • Look at the gas valves and connections to determine whether they have leaks.

  • The exhaust and manufacture of carbon monoxide.

  • Gas verification that such a kind of fuel is appropriate as per the appliance rating.

  • Sustain the countless pressures by always manifesting with burners.

  • Examine the colours and shape of the flames of the burners (consistent blue).

  • High-limit, safety shutoffs (switches, roll-out).

  • Make the flue pipe very sloped and covered.

  • Verify that the mechanical rooms have the presence of combustion air supply.



Electrical Components Checklist




  • Have clean electrical connections and tight connections.

  • Measure voltages and current load to the system.

  • Check test contactor and relays to ensure that they are not worn/pitted.

  • Check circuit boards, check burnt marks on boards, or corrosion.

  • Bypass the capacitor microfarads that are weak.

  • These are fuses and circuit breakers that are working properly.

  • Learn about the bonding and the grounding.

  • High and low voltage wires should be separated.

  • Electrical disconnection switch inspection (by condenser)

  • The wiring should be clearly labeled to identify it in the future when servicing.



The End Safety and Efficiency Checklist




  • Look at safety relays and emergency shut-off switches.

  • Also, visually inspect clearance areas around the HVAC equipment

  • Panels and all service covers should be kept closed.

  • Clean the indoor and the outdoor units to minimize fire risk.

  • The condensate pumps are in use.

  • Store no inflammables either over the furnace or under it.

  • Identify the energy efficiency ratings and suggest the upgrades.



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