HVAC · Free Template · ~9 steps
HVAC Residential Install Quality Check
An HVAC owner who wants every residential install to be QC'd before the customer signs off.
Free SOP template — copy it, adapt it, or generate a custom version for your business in 5 minutes
Who it's for
Install techs, lead installers, owners.
When to run it
After every residential install, before the customer walkthrough.
Before you start
- •Manufacturer install manual on hand
- •Refrigerant gauges + scale
- •Static pressure meter
- •Combustion analyzer (for gas systems)
The procedure
Step-by-step, in order. Each step has the action and the reason it matters.
- 1
Verify equipment matches the bid
Tonnage, model number, SEER, AFUE — all match what the customer was sold. Anything different = lead installer flags the office.
- 2
Verify refrigerant charge
Weigh-in to spec OR superheat/subcooling per nameplate. Document actual numbers. Off-spec charge is the #1 cause of warranty calls in year 1.
Why: Wrong refrigerant charge silently destroys equipment over years. Get it right at install.
- 3
Test static pressure
Across the coil and across the air handler. Compare to manufacturer spec. High static = restricted ductwork = comeback in 6 months.
- 4
Combustion analysis (gas systems)
CO levels, oxygen, draft. Document. Out-of-spec = adjust before the customer walks through.
- 5
Verify drain line slope and trap
Drain line slopes correctly, trap installed, secondary drain pan in place if required.
- 6
Test the thermostat and verify temp split
Set the thermostat to call. Verify supply air vs return air temp split is in spec (18-22°F on cooling). Document.
- 7
Walk every register
Every register pushing air. None blocked or pinched.
- 8
Photograph the install
Outdoor unit, indoor unit, electrical disconnect, drain line, refrigerant line set. Photos go in the customer file. Warranty defense.
- 9
Walk the customer through the install
Show them the new equipment. Explain what was replaced. Hand them the warranty paperwork. Set expectations on filter changes and maintenance.
Verify when done
- ☐Refrigerant charge weighed in or subcooling/superheat documented
- ☐Static pressure measured and in spec
- ☐Drain line tested
- ☐Photos in the customer file
Common mistakes
- ✕Eyeballing the refrigerant charge
- ✕Skipping the static pressure test
- ✕No photos in the customer file
Trainer notes
The refrigerant charge step is the most-skipped because it's tedious. It's also the most-expensive skip — wrong charge = compressor failure under warranty.
Common questions
Who should run the hvac residential install quality check?
Install techs, lead installers, owners.
When should this hvac procedure be run?
After every residential install, before the customer walkthrough.
How many steps does the hvac residential install quality check have?
9 steps. The procedure starts with "Verify equipment matches the bid" and ends with "Walk the customer through the install". Each step in between has the action and the reason it matters.
What's the most common mistake when running this procedure?
Eyeballing the refrigerant charge. The refrigerant charge step is the most-skipped because it's tedious. It's also the most-expensive skip — wrong charge = compressor failure under warranty.
Can I get a custom version written for my hvac business?
Yes. TalkNDone generates a custom SOP from your voice or text description in about 5 minutes — written using your team's words, your equipment, and your specific procedure. $49 one-time, free preview before you pay, no subscription. Start at talkndone.com.
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