How much does an HVAC inspection cost?
How much does an HVAC inspection cost?
$150 – $500 average cost to inspect AC, furnace, & ducts
HVAC inspection cost
An HVAC inspection costs $150 to $500, depending on the system size, type, and location. A furnace, air duct, or AC inspection alone costs $50 to $180. An HVAC inspection checks the safety and function of the ductwork, heating, and air conditioning systems, and is recommended before a new home purchase.
| Inspection type | Average cost |
|---|---|
| HVAC inspection (AC, furnace, & ducts) | $150 – $500 |
| AC inspection | $70 – $150 |
| Furnace inspection | $70 – $130 |
| Air duct inspection | $80 – $180 |
Average home HVAC inspection cost
The following table shows the average cost for an HVAC inspection.
| National average cost | $300 |
| Minimum cost | $50 |
| Maximum cost | $600 |
| Average cost range | $150 to $500 |
* Cost data is from research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members.
AC inspection cost
An AC inspection costs $70 to $150 and does not include cleaning, maintenance, repairs, or refrigerant. An AC tune-up costs $70 to $200 and includes cleaning, filter replacement, and system maintenance to improve efficiency and prevent expensive repairs.
Furnace and heating inspection cost
A furnace inspection costs $70 to $130, not including cleaning, maintenance, or repairs. A furnace tune-up costs $150 to $500 and includes cleaning and maintenance to keep the system running smoothly. Gas-fueled heaters have more components to inspect than electric furnaces, requiring additional service and safety checks.
Air duct inspection cost
An air duct inspection costs $80 to $180 and verifies the need for duct cleaning or repairs. Some technicians use a digital camera to scope the air ducts and record their condition. Service providers often apply the inspection cost toward the price of duct cleaning or repairs.
A duct leakage test costs $250 to $400 and takes about one hour. The HVAC technician uses airflow monitors, pressure sensing devices, fog machines, and temperature checks to determine if the ductwork leaks air and wastes energy.
HVAC inspection cost factors
The following factors affect the cost of an HVAC inspection:
Home and system size – Larger homes have multiple units or multi-zone systems, each with a separate thermostat and components to examine.
Unit location – Labor costs more for systems in difficult-to-access areas like attics and crawl spaces.
Unit type – Roof vent, attic fan, and air duct systems have fewer components to inspect than air conditioners or boilers.
Systems included – A complete HVAC inspection requires more service checks than an AC or furnace inspection alone.
Level of inspection – A basic home inspection only confirms that the system heats and cools, while a thorough HVAC inspection reveals underlying problems.
Off-season rates – HVAC companies typically offer discounts in the spring and fall before the busy seasons begin.
HVAC inspection checklist
Most contractors follow an HVAC inspection checklist that involves lubricating all moving parts and testing or adjusting the following components:
Blower motors and compressors
Wiring and electrical connections
Evaporator and condenser coils
Condensate drain pump and line
Refrigerant levels
Thermostat settings
Furnace controls, including start and shut-off
Heating components (boiler, furnace, or heat pump), including gas or oil connections, gas pressure, burner combustion, and heat exchanger
Venting
HVAC inspection report and next steps
After an inspection, technicians provide a report explaining the system's current status. The report outlines recommendations for upgrades, repairs, or replacements, which may include:
AC repairs cost $125 to $450 on average or $75 to $150 per hour.
An AC replacement costs $2,500 to $7,500, depending on the unit type and size. Consider replacing units over 10 years old.
Duct cleaning costs $450 to $1,000 on average or $25 to $50 per vent.
Ductwork replacement costs $270 to $500 per duct run or $25 to $55 per linear foot.
Furnace repairs cost $150 to $500 and furnace cleaning costs $50 to $300.
A furnace replacement costs $2,000 to $5,400, depending on the system size and fuel type.
HVAC repairs cost $150 to $450 on average or $75 to $150 per hour, depending on the project.
A complete HVAC replacement costs $5,000 to $11,000, depending on the system size and brand.
During real estate transactions, buyers and sellers use an HVAC home inspection report to negotiate repair or replacement costs.
HVAC tune-up service or maintenance plan
An annual HVAC tune-up or maintenance reduces energy bills, minimizes the need for repairs, and extends the system's life and energy efficiency.
| Service type | Cost | Frequency | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| HVAC inspection | $150 – $500 | Before a real estate transaction or as a second opinion for repair work | Professional inspection of the entire heating and cooling system and ductwork to confirm it is functioning properly. |
| Seasonal tune-up | $70 – $200 | Twice a year in spring and fall | Professional inspection and cleaning to ensure the system effectively cools or heats the home. Includes the following services:*
|
| Annual maintenance plan or service agreement | $120 – $360 | Regularly scheduled maintenance visits throughout the year | Professional routine maintenance tasks and tune-ups. Benefits include:
|
| DIY preventive maintenance | $10 – $70 | Every 1 to 3 months |
|
*Not a comprehensive list. Services depend on the provider.
HVAC inspection FAQs
How often should an HVAC be inspected?
Have an HVAC system inspected once or twice per year, depending on the climate and the system age and type. Get a thorough inspection:
Annually to keep heating and cooling systems working at peak performance
Every six months for systems more than 10 years old
Every spring and fall in areas with extremely hot summers or cold winters
Before buying or selling a home to evaluate the HVAC system's health
As needed for a second opinion on HVAC repairs
What are signs you need an HVAC inspection?
Warning signs that you need an HVAC inspection include:
Weak or inconsistent airflow
Strange odors or sounds
Thermostat malfunctions
High utility bills
Inability to maintain a comfortable temperature in winter or summer
Poor air quality or increased allergies and respiratory issues
Tell the inspector about the HVAC unit's history, including any recent maintenance or malfunctions.
How long does an HVAC inspection take?
A comprehensive HVAC inspection takes 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the home size, number of service checks performed, and the system size, type, and location.
Finding and hiring an HVAC inspector
Before hiring an HVAC inspector near you, be sure to:
Look for a NATE and EPA-certified HVAC contractor that has been in business for more than five years.
Browse their reviews on HomeGuide, Google, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Get at least three estimates to compare.
Avoid selecting the lowest quote as quality may suffer.
Get a detailed estimate, contract, and warranty in writing before the work begins.
Never pay in full upfront. Follow a payment plan and do not make the final payment until fully satisfied.
Questions to ask
How many years have you been inspecting HVAC systems?
Are you NATE certified or ACCA accredited?
Are you EPA Section 608 certified to handle refrigerants?
What is included in the HVAC inspection?
Are any routine maintenance services included with the inspection?
Do you offer discounts for multi-year service contracts?
Will you provide a list of references with contact information?
May I have a copy of your insurance policy for my records?
Do you guarantee your work or offer an extended warranty?