Home Inspection Checklist - Electric and HVAC

Another part of our home inspection process takes a look at the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (also referred to as HVAC) as well as the electrical components of your home.  A few things we look for include:

Heating & Cooling
· The heating system, using normal operating controls, and describe the energy source and heating method and report as in need of repair a heating system that does not operate
· Report if the heating system is deemed inaccessible
· The central cooling equipment, using normal operating controls.

Electrical
· the service drop/lateral
· The meter socket enclosures
· The means for disconnecting the service main and describe the service disconnect amperage rating, if labeled
· The panelboards and overcurrent devices (breakers and fuses)
· The service grounding and bonding
· A representative number of switches, lighting fixtures and receptacles, including receptacles viewed and deemed to be AFCI-protected
· Test all GFCI receptacles and circuit breakers observed and deemed to be GFCIs
· Service entrance conductors and conductor insulation
· Service entrance cables
· Any unused circuit breaker panel openings that are not filled
· Inspect for the presence of solid conductor aluminum branch circuit wiring, if readily visible
· Any tested receptacles in which power was not present, the polarity was incorrect, the receptacle was not grounded or secured to the wall, the cover was not in place, the GFCI devices were not properly installed or did not operate properly, and evidence of arcing or excessive heat
· The presence of smoke detectors
· Any deficiencies in the integrity of the insulation, drip loop, or separation of conductors at weather heads and clearances from grade or rooftops, as they may require repair.

Want more information about what we look for?  Check out our home inspection checklist!