What Goes into a Home Inspection: Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC) System

Home inspections help buyers understand the current state of a house to ensure they are making a sound investment. Inspections provide a comprehensive and objective analysis of a home's condition, following industry or state required standards.

During an inspection, the home inspector reviews the structural components of a property, along with its major and ancillary systems. Here are some of the different components that go into an inspection of your HVAC System:

• Visual Inspection

Before doing anything else, the home inspector will visually inspect your systems and note any superficial issues with age or performance. Inspectors check to see if your thermostat, furnace, air conditioner and heat pump and ducts are in functional condition.

They will also look at your insulation where it is visible and can check for carbon monoxide or gas leaks. Inspectors will take note if service records are available, so get these ready if you have them.

• Testing the Systems

Home inspectors will test your systems for their current function after the visual inspection. The first thing they measure is performance – noting whether your different systems are working. They gauge performance for gas or oil furnaces based on whether or not it will light and if the system is delivering heating or cooling in the home.

Home inspectors typically do not check whether the heating system works during the summer, or whether the AC works during the winter. Testing these systems under improper weather conditions could cause damage to the system and would not provide them with an accurate reading.

After a thorough home inspection, an inspector can provide a proper assessment of a home, complete with recommendations. Home inspections are useful tools for home sellers and buyers alike, making them more aware of the existing status of their home or potential home.