HVAC Preventive Maintenance Checklist

By | September 23, 2025
Checklists Facility Management Maintenance
HVAC preventive maintenance checklist

Intro

An HVAC preventive maintenance checklist is a structured guide that maintenance technicians use to keep heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems running reliably. Think of it as both a to-do list and a safety net: It ensures you don’t miss small tasks that, if skipped, could snowball into expensive repairs or even system failures.

For maintenance technicians, a checklist is more than paperwork. It’s a way to:

  • Catch problems early
  • Stay consistent across teams
  • Protect energy efficiency
  • Extend equipment life
  • Maintain compliance and safety

In short, regular preventive maintenance keeps HVAC systems efficient, extends equipment lifespan and prevents costly downtime. Use this checklist to guide seasonal and routine inspections for your facility.

HVAC Preventive Maintenance Checklist

Get this checklist in Coast Download
Check thermostat settings for proper operation
Listen for unusual system noises or vibrations
Inspect for visible leaks, standing water or moisture around equipment
Confirm airflow from supply and return vents is unobstructed
Inspect and replace or clean air filters (per manufacturer specs)
Check refrigerant sight glass (if available) for bubbles or leaks
Inspect electrical connections for wear or loose wiring
Test safety controls (limit switches, pressure switches)
Check drain pans and condensate lines for clogs and standing water
Inspect ductwork for dust buildup, leaks, or damage
Clean condenser and evaporator coils
Verify system refrigerant charge and pressures
Inspect belts, pulleys and bearings for wear and tension
Lubricate moving parts (motors, fans, bearings) as needed
Check calibration of thermostats and sensors
Test operation of economizers, dampers and actuators
Inspect insulation on refrigerant lines for damage
Inspect and test heating elements, burners, and heat exchangers for cracks or soot
Clean ignition assemblies and pilot lights
Inspect flues, chimneys and vent systems for blockages
Test carbon monoxide detectors and safety interlocks
Check voltage and current on all motors
Flush and treat cooling tower water (if applicable)
Inspect chiller tubes and perform chemical cleaning if needed
Conduct full system performance test (temperature differential, static pressure, airflow)
Inspect entire duct system and clean professionally if required
Verify refrigerant charge per manufacturer recommendations
Perform combustion analysis on furnaces or boilers
Calibrate building automation system (BAS) controls
Inspect structural integrity of HVAC unit housing and mounts
Replace worn belts, bearings, or seals proactively
Review energy consumption trends against historical data

Pro tip: A computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) like Coast makes this checklist actionable. You can schedule recurring preventive maintenance tasks, attach inspection logs to specific HVAC assets and track completion in realtime. This ensures nothing slips through the cracks when juggling multiple units across facilities.

Disclaimer

Coast and their collaborators provide this resource as a service to the public. Coast and their collaborators’ are not responsible for, and expressly disclaims all liability for, damages of any kind arising out of use, reference to, or reliance on any information contained within this website.

Please note that this template is provided as an example only. It does not replace your own diligence & research, including workplace, health and safety or other applicable laws. You should seek professional advice to determine if the use of this resource is appropriate or permissible in your workplace or jurisdiction.

Checklists Facility Management Maintenance

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