By Matt Alba, NATE-Certified HVAC Systems Inspector — HVAC Inspections Los Angeles · CA License #1075723 · “Know Before You Close” · Last updated: August 5, 2026

An HVAC escrow inspection is an independent evaluation of a home’s heating and cooling system during a real estate transaction, documented in writing so buyers and agents can act on the findings before closing. Ours is a flat $595 per system — full testing, photo documentation, and the written report included. We’re based at 1105 6th St in Hermosa Beach and inspect throughout the South Bay and greater Los Angeles, usually with same-week availability when a contingency period is closing.

What You Get

  • A NATE-certified inspector who performs the inspection personally — not a dispatcher’s next available tech.
  • Testing your home inspector didn’t do: refrigerant charge, static pressure, heat exchanger, combustion safety.
  • A written, photo-documented report your agent can use to negotiate repair credits.
  • Flat $595 per system, quoted before we arrive. Estimates are always free.

What an HVAC Escrow Inspection Covers

The inspection covers five areas: heating equipment, cooling equipment, ductwork and airflow, electrical and safety controls, and permit and code compliance. Every finding is photographed and written up the same day. The four measurements that separate this from a general home inspection are refrigerant charge, static pressure, heat exchanger condition, and combustion safety — none of which a home inspector is required to perform.

Inspection Type What It Tests Cost
HVAC escrow inspection (ours) Full system under load, refrigerant charge, static pressure, heat exchanger, permits — written photo report $595 per system
General home inspection Confirms the system turns on; visual check only $300–$500 whole house
Seasonal tune-up Cleaning and adjustment, no diagnostic report $70–$200

Individual services are also available on their own: AC inspection, heating inspection, air flow inspection, air quality inspection, ducting inspection, and commercial inspection. The complete inspection checklist lists every item we work through.

HVAC Inspection FAQ

How much does an HVAC inspection cost?

Ours is a flat $595 per system, including full testing, photo documentation, and the written report. Market pricing across Los Angeles averages about $341 for a standard inspection, with escrow-grade inspections running $300–$700. Full breakdown in our HVAC inspection cost guide.

What does an HVAC inspection include?

Testing the heating and cooling equipment under load, measuring refrigerant charge and static pressure, evaluating the heat exchanger, checking ducts, electrical components, and safety controls, and verifying permit and code compliance — all photo-documented in a written report.

Are HVAC inspections worth it before buying a home?

Yes, when the alternative is inheriting an unknown. Full system replacement in Los Angeles commonly runs $12,000–$15,000. An inspection inside your contingency period either confirms the system is sound or gives your agent documented findings to negotiate repair credits before the problem becomes yours.

Doesn’t the general home inspection already cover the HVAC system?

Only at surface level. Home inspectors confirm the system responds and shows no visible damage. They do not test refrigerant charge, measure static pressure, evaluate the heat exchanger, or perform combustion safety testing — the four checks behind most expensive post-closing surprises.

How fast can you inspect a home in Hermosa Beach or the South Bay?

Same-week scheduling is usually available across the South Bay, and escrow timelines get priority. Tell us your contingency date when you call and we’ll work backward from it.

Know Before You Close

Flat $595 per system. NATE-certified, photo-documented, delivered in a report your agent can act on. Estimates are always free.

Get a Free Quote Online
(310) 465-3822