Heating & Cooling Inspection: Furnace, Boiler and AC
A furnace that lights and an air conditioner that hums do not tell you much about how long either will last or whether they are safe. An HVAC inspection looks at the condition of the heating and cooling equipment, the venting and the controls, so you can plan for a replacement instead of being surprised by one.
In plain words: we check whether the furnace, boiler and AC are safe and how much life they have left, and show you with photos.
In Chicago, call 773-250-6060.
What we check
- Furnace inspection: burners, ignition, visible heat exchanger areas, blower, filter and condensate drain
- Boiler inspection: controls, relief valve, expansion tank, circulators and visible piping
- AC inspection: condenser condition, coil, refrigerant lines and condensate drainage
- Venting and combustion air, and carbon monoxide concerns
- Equipment age and signs of past problems
- Thermostat and system operation
We take before and after photos, and you get a clear written report with photos and repair or upgrade options.
Furnace and boiler inspection
Older or poorly maintained furnaces and boilers are among the most common big-ticket surprises after a closing. We look at how the equipment operates, the condition of accessible components, and venting — including whether a water heater was left on an oversized chimney after a furnace replacement.
If we see signs of a compromised heat exchanger or a venting problem, we say so plainly: the equipment should stay off until a qualified technician evaluates the safe repair or replacement options.
AC inspection
Air conditioning is often inspected in the cold months when it cannot be run safely. We inspect the condenser, the accessible indoor coil area, refrigerant lines and condensate drainage, and note when the system should be tested in warmer weather.
Venting and carbon monoxide concerns
Venting is the part of an HVAC inspection that matters most for safety. We check vent connections, slope, terminations and combustion air for the gas appliances we inspect and flag anything that needs attention. A working carbon monoxide alarm is still essential in any home with gas appliances.
Who it's for
Home buyers
A trade-level look at plumbing and HVAC before closing, to complement — not replace — your home inspection.
Home sellers
Find and document problems before a buyer's inspector does, so there are fewer surprises in negotiation.
Homeowners planning upgrades
Know what condition the existing systems are in before you budget a remodel or replacement.
Landlords and property managers
Written condition reports with photos for units and buildings, to plan repairs instead of reacting to them.
How it works
- Step 1
Book
Call or send a request. Tell us the property type, the systems you want checked and any deadline, such as an inspection contingency.
- Step 2
On-site inspection
A technician inspects the accessible equipment and piping, and runs the systems where it is safe to do so.
- Step 3
Photos
We photograph what we find — before photos of the conditions, and after photos of any work we are later asked to do.
- Step 4
Report & recommendations
You get a clear written report with photos, separating urgent items from planned work, with repair or upgrade options.
- Step 5
Optional repair or upgrade
If you want, our team can price and do the work. You are free to use the report with any contractor.
What this inspection is — and isn't
Right Away is a plumbing and HVAC contractor, not an Illinois-licensed home inspector. This is a Plumbing & HVAC Inspection of accessible systems, not a whole-home inspection; it complements a buyer's home inspection and does not replace it. We do no electrical work and do not inspect electrical systems — electrical questions go to a licensed electrician.
Service area
From our shop at 2093 Rand Rd in Des Plaines, we inspect properties in Chicago and the northwest suburbs:
Frequently asked questions
Is this a home inspection?
No. Right Away is a plumbing and HVAC contractor, not a licensed home inspector. Our heating and cooling inspection complements a buyer's home inspection and does not replace it.
Can you inspect the AC in winter?
We can inspect the equipment, but running an air conditioner in cold weather can damage it. We note when a cooling test should be done in warmer weather.
Will you tell me how long the furnace will last?
We can tell you its age and condition and what we see, but no one can promise a remaining life. We explain what to plan for.
Do you check carbon monoxide?
We inspect venting and combustion for carbon monoxide concerns on the gas equipment we inspect. We do not replace the need for working CO alarms.
Do you inspect wiring for the furnace or AC?
No. Right Away does no electrical work and does not inspect electrical systems. Those questions go to a licensed electrician.
Related services
Schedule an inspection
Call 847-550-3322 for the suburbs or 773-250-6060 in Chicago, or schedule an inspection online.