Furnace Inspection Checklist: A Complete Guide for Homeowners

So the cold months are arriving, and you want to make sure that your heating system is working properly. To do that, you need to check on the entire heating setup, especially the most important component, which is the furnace (in furnace-based systems, that is). Here in this article, we will go over all the details you should be aware of when inspecting a furnace before autumn.

What Is a Furnace Inspection?

During a furnace inspection, a professional checks all the different components to ensure that everything is functioning the way it is supposed to. It is done so that the homeowners have the peace of mind that they are not going to run into any safety issues or other types of hassles that might surface in the middle of the winter when warmth in the house is essential.

What Is Home Inspection is also a good article in case you are buying a new house. And if you ever need home inspection services in Ontario, Houmse has you covered.

When Should You Get a Furnace Inspection?

There are times that are considered best when it comes to furnace inspections:

1. Early Fall

Once a year, in early fall, when the cold winds are making their way to your hometown, it is definitely the best time to have your furnace inspected so that when you turn the heating system on, there are no issues.

2. Before Buying or Selling a House

Whether you are buying a new house or selling your current one, it’s a good idea to check the furnace for any potential misbehaviors so that you or the new owners won’t run into any problems in cold seasons.

3. The Heating System Has Been Inactive For A Long Time

As an example, if the furnace hasn’t been turned on for more than 8 months in a vacation house of yours, you'd better get it examined, especially if it’s an old furnace.

4. When Noticing Weird Signs

Signs such as:

• Strange noises (banging, screeching)
• Burning or gas odors
• Short cycling (turning on/off frequently)
• Uneven heating or rising energy bills
• Yellow or flickering burner flame (instead of steady blue)

If you notice any one of these, you most certainly need to hire an expert to check everything.

What Does a Furnace Inspection Include?

The process of furnace inspection includes:

1. Safety Checks

• Checking for carbon monoxide leaks in the heat exchanger.
• Checking to see if there are gas leaks in the valves, connections, or supply lines.
• Looking at the burner flame to see if it’s blue (good) or yellow (not good).
• Checking the vents to ensure there are no airflow problems.

2. Electrical & Control System

• Checking the thermostat to see if it’s working accurately and its communication with the furnace is good.
• Checking the wires, capacitors, and relays to see if there are any issues.
• Testing electronic igniters, pilot lights, or hot surface igniters.

3. Mechanical Parts

• Examining the heat exchanger for cracks or corrosion.
• Inspecting the blower motor and fan for wear, proper lubrication, and smooth operation.
• Checking the belts and pulleys for cracks, fraying, or misalignment.
• Cleaning the burners and combustion chamber for debris and ensuring proper flame distribution.

4. Airflow & Efficiency

• Checking the air filter for clogs.
• Looking for leaks, blockages, or poor insulation in the ductwork.
• Measuring airflow resistance to detect duct issues.
• Checking the gas pressure and fuel line in gas furnaces to ensure correct pressure for efficient combustion.

5. System Performance

• Testing and monitoring startup, runtime, and shutdown sequences.
• Measuring air temperature before and after heating to assess efficiency.
• Confirming proper exhaust flow to prevent backdrafting.

After all these tests and checkups, the inspector will give you a detailed report of all the discoveries they have made, as well as suggested repairs and replacements, and a furnace maintenance checklist.

Cost of Furnace Inspection in Toronto

Below you find a simple table showing you how much it costs to have your furnace inspected in Toronto in 2025: (Sources for furnace inspection costs include websites such as greenbreezehvac.com and constanthomecomfort.com.)

If you are curious about the cost of home inspections as well, we recommend Home Inspection Cost.

Benefits of Furnace Inspection

There are several benefits to home furnace inspection:

1. Safety

With annual inspections, you no longer worry about any gas leaks and the danger of poisoning or system failures when you most need the heat.

2. Preventing Costly Repairs or Replacements

When there is a small problem and you discover it during inspection, it is easy and cheap to handle. But when you don’t know about it, it might become a big problem, and that would be costly.

3. Lower Bills

When the system is working as efficiently as possible, your energy bills are going to be on the low side, and you need to undertake regular inspections for that to happen.

4. Extended lifespan

The more you take care of a machine, the longer it will serve you.

5. Better Air Quality

The furnace inspection often includes replacing or cleaning air filters, which means the air coming into your house will be cleaner.

FAQs

1. How often should a furnace be inspected?

Once a year is typically recommended unless the system is very new or very old.

2. Can I inspect my furnace myself? 

You can do some basic check-ups, such as discovering the source of a bizarre smell or noise, cleaning or replacing the air filters, and checking the thermostat, but anything more complicated than these, and you will need a professional inspector.

3. What happens during a professional inspection?

The inspector will check all the different components to see if there are any issues, repairs to be done, or replacements necessary to undertake.

4. What if issues are found in the inspection?

Then the inspector will provide you with a detailed report on the things that need to be done, and you will hire a repair company and give them the report.

If you wish to know even more about this subject, Furnace Inspection is a great read.

Final Thoughts: Keep Your Furnace Safe and Efficient

Your heating system running into any issues in the middle of winter is a very unpleasant and inconvenient experience that nobody wants to go through. The best solution is always prevention, and to do that, you need your system, specifically your furnace, to be examined once a year. By reading the article, you know exactly what happens during an inspection, and you know how much it is going to cost you.