Real‑world examples of home heating system inspection report examples

Let’s start with the kind of thing most homeowners actually see: a one‑page, checkbox‑style report. This first example of a home heating system inspection report is the “basic annual tune‑up” sheet many HVAC companies leave behind after a fall visit.

A typical layout looks something like this in plain language:

• Customer & system info: Name, address, date, technician name, make/model of furnace or boiler, fuel type (gas, oil, electric), age of unit.
• Visual inspection: Technician notes if the unit is accessible, if there are signs of rust, water leaks, or scorch marks, and if clearances around the unit meet code.
• Safety checks: Combustion air openings open and unobstructed; vent pipe intact with proper slope; gas or oil lines free of visible leaks; shutoff valves working.
• Controls & operation: Thermostat properly wired and calibrated; system cycles on and off; blower or circulator pump runs smoothly; no unusual noises.
• Measurements: Temperature rise, draft readings, and sometimes carbon monoxide (CO) levels in the flue.
• Recommendations: “Monitor,” “Repair soon,” or “Repair now/shut off” style comments.

In the best examples of home heating system inspection report examples, this section isn’t just a wall of checkmarks. A good technician will add short, human‑readable notes like “Slight rust on burner compartment – recheck next year” or “Filter very dirty – replaced today.” Those small comments are what help you understand the story of your system over time.

Gas furnace: detailed examples of home heating system inspection report examples

Modern gas furnaces are everywhere in North America, so let’s walk through a more detailed example of what a gas furnace inspection report might look like.

A realistic gas furnace report often includes these sections, with notes or measured values:

1. System identification and age
The report lists brand, model, serial number, input BTU rating, and installation year. Many of the best examples of home heating system inspection report examples also include a “estimated remaining life” line, such as:

System age: 14 years. Typical lifespan: 15–20 years. Plan for replacement in next 3–5 years.

2. Combustion and venting
The technician documents:

• Condition of the burner assembly (clean/dirty, corrosion present, flame quality).
• Heat exchanger inspection (no visible cracks, no signs of soot or flame rollout).
• Draft and vent connector condition (metal or PVC, slope toward chimney or termination, secure joints).
• CO readings in the flue and sometimes in the surrounding air.

A real‑world note might read:

Flue CO reading: 35 ppm at steady state (within acceptable range). Ambient CO: 0 ppm. No spillage detected at draft hood.

For context, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and agencies like CDC warn that elevated CO levels can be dangerous, so seeing those numbers on your report (and that they’re low) matters.

3. Electrical and controls
Reports often include:

• Thermostat operation and location.
• Low‑voltage wiring condition.
• Safety switches (door interlock, rollout switches, pressure switches) tested.
• Ignition system (hot surface igniter or spark) checked.

A solid example of a home heating inspection report line here:

Pressure switch tested – opens on loss of draft, verified by induced fault test. Ignition sequence normal.

4. Airflow and ductwork
For forced‑air systems, you’ll see:

• Filter condition (size, type, replaced or not).
• Blower wheel cleanliness and motor amp draw.
• Visible ductwork condition, insulation, and obvious air leaks.

A practical note might say:

Return filter size incorrect (16x20 used, cabinet requires 20x20). Reduced airflow may shorten heat exchanger life. Recommend correct filter size and duct evaluation.

5. Efficiency and performance
Some 2024–2025 style digital reports pull in calculated efficiency or note AFUE ratings. With new DOE efficiency standards tightening for gas furnaces in coming years, more companies are flagging older, low‑efficiency units. A technician might write:

Existing furnace: 80% AFUE, non‑condensing. Current standards allow higher efficiency models (95%+). Consider replacement within 5 years to reduce fuel costs.

This kind of detail is what separates the best examples of home heating system inspection report examples from a bare‑bones checklist.

Boiler‑specific examples include piping, radiators, and safety controls

Boilers need a slightly different eye. Hydronic systems move hot water or steam, so any example of a boiler inspection report should include:

• System type: Hot water vs. steam, number of zones, type of radiation (baseboard, radiators, in‑floor loops).
• Pressure and temperature: Actual readings compared to design range.
• Expansion tank: Proper charge, no signs of waterlogging.
• Relief valve: Not leaking, properly piped to a safe discharge point.
• Circulator pumps and zone valves: Operation and noise.

Here’s how a realistic boiler report section might read:

Boiler type: Gas‑fired hot water, 3 zones, baseboard radiation. System pressure 15 psi cold, 20 psi hot (within normal range). Temperature limit control set to 180°F. Expansion tank bladder type, pre‑charge 12 psi, no signs of waterlogging.

And under safety:

Relief valve clean, no discharge observed. Discharge pipe terminates within 6 in. of floor. Low‑water cutoff tested and functioning.

Good examples of home heating system inspection report examples for boilers also mention distribution issues:

Second‑floor zone slow to heat. Air noted in baseboards. Bleed valves opened; significant air removed. Recommend monitoring and possible system purge if symptoms return.

These small, specific notes are what you want to see instead of just “OK” written down the page.

Digital 2024–2025 examples of home heating system inspection report examples

Over the last few years, more HVAC companies have shifted to tablet‑based inspection forms. The best examples of home heating system inspection report examples now often arrive as a PDF in your email with photos, timestamps, and even short video clips.

A modern digital report might include:

• Photo documentation: Before‑and‑after pictures of a dirty versus cleaned burner, a cracked flue pipe, or a corroded circulator pump.
• Color‑coded findings: Green for “good,” yellow for “monitor/maintenance needed,” red for “safety or urgent repair.”
• Trend data: If you’re a repeat customer, they may show that your CO levels, temperature rise, or gas pressure have stayed stable (or not) over several years.
• Linked recommendations: Clicking on “Replace aging inducer motor” might open a short explanation or manufacturer info sheet.

A real‑world digital note might look like this:

11/02/2024 – Heat exchanger visual inspection performed via camera. No visible cracks or hot spots. CO in flue: 23 ppm. Ambient CO: 0 ppm. Photos attached.

With increasing awareness of indoor air quality and health, some companies also reference guidance from organizations like ASHRAE or local building codes when they flag ventilation or combustion air problems. That’s a sign you’re looking at one of the better, more thoughtful examples of home heating system inspection report examples.

Safety‑focused examples: carbon monoxide, gas leaks, and red‑tag reports

Sometimes the most important parts of an inspection report are the ones that say, “Do not use this system.” You don’t want to see that, but if there’s a serious hazard, you absolutely want it documented clearly.

Here’s how a safety‑focused example of a home heating inspection report might read:

CO spillage detected at draft hood during operation. Ambient CO reached 45 ppm within 5 minutes of burner firing. Flue connector rusted through at elbow; exhaust gases leaking into mechanical room. System red‑tagged and shut off. Recommend immediate flue replacement and full combustion safety test before returning to service.

or:

Gas leak detected at furnace gas valve union using electronic detector and soap solution. Bubble formation confirmed. Gas shut off at main valve, utility notified. Repair required before restoring gas service.

These are not scare tactics; they’re exactly the kinds of situations agencies like the CDC and NIOSH warn about. When you review examples of home heating system inspection report examples, look for clear safety language, documented readings, and explicit instructions about whether the system is safe to operate.

Maintenance‑oriented examples include filters, cleaning, and future planning

Not every note has to be dramatic. Some of the most useful examples of home heating system inspection report examples are boring on purpose: they track the slow, predictable wear and tear that lets you plan ahead.

You might see:

Blower compartment moderately dusty. Blower wheel cleaned this visit. Recommend filter changes every 60–90 days during heating season.

or:

Oil nozzle, filter, and pump strainer replaced. Combustion tuned to 11.5% CO₂, trace smoke. Efficiency improved from 80% to 84%.

or:

Boiler showing signs of age (22 years). Heat exchanger surface corrosion present but no active leaks. Budget for replacement in 3–5 years.

When you compare several real examples of home heating system inspection report examples from the same company, you’ll often see a pattern: as the system ages, the “monitor” notes slowly turn into “plan to replace” notes. That paper trail is helpful if you ever need to justify a replacement to a landlord, condo board, or home warranty company.

How to use these examples of home heating system inspection report examples at home

Seeing professional samples is one thing; using them is another. Here’s how to put these examples to work without turning yourself into an HVAC tech.

Compare structure, not just checkmarks
When you get a report, ask yourself:

• Does it mention safety devices, combustion or venting, and some kind of performance measurement?
• Are there specific notes, or just a forest of “OK” boxes?
• Is there any explanation of what should happen next?

If your report looks thinner than the examples of home heating system inspection report examples described here, that’s a signal to ask more questions.

Track changes year over year
Keep your reports in a folder or scan them. Look for:

• Rising CO or draft readings.
• Repeated notes about the same part (like a noisy inducer motor or a weeping boiler valve).
• Comments about age and expected lifespan.

This lets you budget for big work instead of being surprised on the coldest night of the year.

Ask your technician to walk you through the report
A good tech will happily translate their notes into plain English. You can even use phrases from the best examples of home heating system inspection report examples as prompts:

• “Can you show me where you documented the CO readings?”
• “Do you see anything that suggests we should plan for replacement in the next few years?”
• “Can you point out any safety items versus routine maintenance?”

The goal isn’t to second‑guess them; it’s to understand what you’re paying for and how your system is aging.

Short FAQ: examples of common inspection report questions

Q: Can I get a sample or example of a home heating inspection report before I schedule service?
Yes. Many companies will email a blank or redacted sample so you can see what they check. Ask for a few examples of home heating system inspection report examples for systems similar to yours (gas furnace, oil boiler, high‑efficiency condensing unit, etc.). If they can’t show you anything, that’s a red flag.

Q: What are some typical examples of issues that appear on reports but aren’t emergencies?
Common non‑urgent notes include slightly dirty burners, minor rust on the cabinet, a noisy blower motor, or an aging thermostat. These are the “plan and budget” items. By contrast, anything involving CO spillage, gas leaks, or failed safety switches should be treated as urgent.

Q: Are there official standards for what an inspection report should include?
Local building codes and national standards (often based on NFPA and ASHRAE guidance) influence what professionals check, but the exact report format varies by company. Some states and cities publish inspection guidance for heating equipment through their building departments or energy offices. You can often find relevant safety and indoor air quality guidance on .gov and .edu sites, such as state energy offices or federal resources on combustion safety.

Q: How often should I see a written report for my furnace or boiler?
At least once a year, whenever you have a professional tune‑up or safety check. If someone “eyeballs” the system, makes a few adjustments, and leaves without giving you anything in writing, you’re missing a key piece of your home maintenance record.

If you remember nothing else, remember this: a good heating inspection report tells a clear story. The best examples of home heating system inspection report examples don’t just say your system is “fine.” They show you how safe it is today, how it’s performing, and where it’s headed over the next few winters.