What does this hvac checklist cover?

14 items across 4 sections, covering equipment set, ductwork, condensate, controls and startup. Each item spells out what the person walking the job is actually looking for, not just a box to tick.

Who should run this inspection?

Mechanical foreman at rough-in; startup technician at commissioning; GC verifies both.

When in the schedule should this walk happen?

Rough-in items before ceiling close-in and insulation. Startup items after permanent power, with filters installed and the building reasonably clean.

Why does every item ask for a photo?

All 14 items call for photo evidence, 24 photos in all. A checklist answer without the photo is a claim; the photo is what makes the record worth something in a dispute and lets a reviewer approve work without re-walking the job.

What most often fails a hvac inspection?

Duct seal photographed after insulation, so the seal itself is invisible. Condensate trap depth not recorded, then the unit shuts down on a wet switch in week one. Startup readings written on a paper sheet that never makes it into the turnover package.

Can I use this checklist in RTI?

Yes. Start a free RTI workspace, build this list as a checklist, and the Photo Gate holds the submit button until every mandatory item is answered and its photos are attached. Approved inspections roll into a branded turnover package with a tamper evident audit trail.

Free checklist

HVAC inspection checklist

Most HVAC callbacks trace to three things: condensate, duct sealing and a startup nobody documented. This checklist splits the walk into rough-in and startup so the concealed work is photographed before the ceiling closes and the numbers are recorded while the unit is running.

Start free with this checklist Download as PDF

The checklist

Every item, and the photo evidence it needs

The photo count on each row is what RTI would require before the item can be submitted. Work the list here and watch the gate hold, or load it into RTI and let it enforce the real thing.

Equipment set

Unit level, supported and clearances maintained
Manufacturer service clearances open on every required side; vibration isolation where specified.
Disconnect installed, labelled and accessible
Within sight of the unit, correctly labelled, not blocked by ductwork.
Refrigerant lines supported, insulated and sealed at the wall
Continuous insulation with no gaps at hangers; penetration sealed weather-tight.

Ductwork

All joints and seams sealed before insulation
Mastic or approved tape at every transverse and longitudinal joint, photographed uncovered.
Duct supported at required intervals with no crushed flex
Straps at the correct spacing and width, flex pulled tight, no sharp radius or compressed runs.
Fire and smoke dampers installed with access
Damper in the rated assembly, access door sized and reachable, sleeve and retaining angles correct.
Openings covered until the system is cleaned
Duct ends capped during construction so drywall dust does not end up in the coil.

Condensate

Trap built to the required depth and primed
Trap matched to unit static, cleanout accessible, and a shot showing depth before it's concealed.
Drain line sloped continuously to termination
No flat runs, no sag between supports, terminating where discharge is legal and visible.
Secondary protection installed and tested
Secondary pan or wet switch present; test the switch and confirm the unit shuts down.

Controls and startup

Thermostat and sensors located per plan
Not on an exterior wall, not in a supply stream, not behind a door swing.
Filters installed, correct size and direction
Airflow arrow correct, no gaps at the rack, construction filters replaced before turnover.
Startup readings recorded
Supply and return temperatures, static pressure, amp draw and refrigerant pressures: record the numbers, not a checkmark.
Airflow verified at terminals and balanced
Every diffuser delivering; balancing report matched against the design values.

What usually sends this back

The failures are almost always the evidence, not the work

Duct seal photographed after insulation, so the seal itself is invisible.
Condensate trap depth not recorded, then the unit shuts down on a wet switch in week one.
Startup readings written on a paper sheet that never makes it into the turnover package.

Common questions

6 answers

What does this hvac checklist cover?: 14 items across 4 sections, covering equipment set, ductwork, condensate, controls and startup. Each item spells out what the person walking the job is actually looking for, not just a box to tick.
Who should run this inspection?: Mechanical foreman at rough-in; startup technician at commissioning; GC verifies both.
When in the schedule should this walk happen?: Rough-in items before ceiling close-in and insulation. Startup items after permanent power, with filters installed and the building reasonably clean.
Why does every item ask for a photo?: All 14 items call for photo evidence, 24 photos in all. A checklist answer without the photo is a claim; the photo is what makes the record worth something in a dispute and lets a reviewer approve work without re-walking the job.
What most often fails a hvac inspection?: Duct seal photographed after insulation, so the seal itself is invisible. Condensate trap depth not recorded, then the unit shuts down on a wet switch in week one. Startup readings written on a paper sheet that never makes it into the turnover package.
Can I use this checklist in RTI?: Yes. Start a free RTI workspace, build this list as a checklist, and the Photo Gate holds the submit button until every mandatory item is answered and its photos are attached. Approved inspections roll into a branded turnover package with a tamper evident audit trail.

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Run it with the Photo Gate

A checklist nobody can submit half-finished

Load this list into RTI, stick a QR tag on the area it covers, and the submit button stays locked until every mandatory item is answered and the 24 required photos exist. Approved walks roll into a branded turnover package with a tamper evident record behind every line.