[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/homeinspectionsovercoffee.com\/what-we-look-for-and-what-we-dont-heating-systems-from-pilot-lights-to-furnace-filters\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/homeinspectionsovercoffee.com\/what-we-look-for-and-what-we-dont-heating-systems-from-pilot-lights-to-furnace-filters\/","headline":"What We Look For (And What We Don\u2019t): Heating Systems \u2014 From Pilot Lights to Furnace Filters","name":"What We Look For (And What We Don\u2019t): Heating Systems \u2014 From Pilot Lights to Furnace Filters","description":"What We Look For (And What We Don\u2019t): Heating Systems \u2014 From Pilot Lights to Furnace Filters It\u2019s always funny to me how many different ways there are to heat a house\u2014and how few of them actually work when I show up. From forced air to boilers to radiant floors, I\u2019ve seen it all. Some are modern marvels, some are 40 years old and just praying for retirement. My job? Test it safely and report what I find. That\u2019s it. I'm not tuning it, I'm not repairing it, and I\u2019m definitely not voiding your warranty by poking where I shouldn\u2019t. The Systems I Commonly Inspect Here\u2019s a short list of what I\u2019ve tested, activated, or called out over the years: Gas furnaces \u2013 Most common. I check the thermostat, run the system, inspect flame visibility, venting, and filter access. Electric furnaces \u2013 Quieter, but I still test for function, heat output, and safe wiring. Heat pumps \u2013 These reverse depending on the season. If it\u2019s cold out, I can only test heating, and vice versa. Boilers and hydronic systems \u2013 I check for heat at radiators, look for leaks, rust, signs of pressure issues. I don\u2019t test expansion tanks or bleed radiators. Radiant floor heat \u2013 Electric or water-based. If it\u2019s working, my thermal camera helps confirm. If it\u2019s not accessible or off, I report limitations. Wall and baseboard heaters \u2013 Electric or gas. I test for function and clearance but don\u2019t disassemble. Wood stoves, pellet stoves \u2013 Visually inspected only. I don\u2019t light fires or confirm chimney sweep maintenance. Solar thermal systems \u2013 Extremely rare, but I\u2019ve seen them. Usually tied to radiant floors or water. Inspected visually only; I don\u2019t test pumps or storage tanks. What I\u2019m Looking For\u2014And What I\u2019m Not \u2705 I\u2019m looking for: operation, heat output, strange smells, burner flame condition, rust, corrosion, soot, venting issues, dirty filters, and safety hazards. \u274c I\u2019m not looking to: service burners, adjust gas pressure, inspect internal exchanger coils, or confirm installation specs. That\u2019s for HVAC pros. Why You Might Need a Specialist If I can\u2019t get the system to turn on\u2014or it runs poorly, smells off, or shows signs of damage\u2014I\u2019ll let you know. And you\u2019ll want to call in a licensed HVAC contractor. They can scope the heat exchanger, run diagnostics, or tell you if the blower motor is about to die. I don\u2019t guess. I document. My Thermal Camera Helps Spot Hidden Heat (Or the Lack of It) One of my favorite tools for heating systems is my thermal camera. I use it to verify warm airflow from registers, spot radiant floor patterns, and check for cold zones. It\u2019s especially useful when floor heating is claimed but the seller \u201cforgot\u201d to leave it turned on. If it\u2019s running, I\u2019ll know. If it\u2019s cold, you will too. Access and Weather Limitations If the thermostat is locked, the unit is shut off at the breaker, or it\u2019s 100\u00b0F outside and the system is in cooling mode only, I document that and explain the limitation. I don\u2019t override owner settings or force systems into operation that aren\u2019t meant to be running. Heating system safety matters. FAQs: What to Expect From the Heating System Inspection Do you test every heating system? I test every accessible, safe-to-operate system using normal controls. If it\u2019s off, locked, or weather-restricted, I\u2019ll explain why it wasn\u2019t tested in the report. Can you tell me how old the furnace is? Yes\u2014usually by decoding the serial number on the unit. Age helps indicate expected lifespan and upgrade timing. Do you open up the furnace or boiler? No. I remove the front service panel if it\u2019s safe, but I don\u2019t dismantle units or access sealed components. That\u2019s HVAC territory. What if the system doesn\u2019t work? I\u2019ll report that clearly\u2014and recommend a licensed HVAC technician evaluate the system. Heating repairs or replacements can be costly, and you need expert advice. \u2192 Next up: Post 18: Cooling Systems \u2014 Testing, Limitations, and What\u2019s in Scope \u2190 Previously: Post 16: Electrical Red Flags \u2014 Panels and Wiring That Worry Inspectors Curious what it\u2019s like to schedule your own home inspection with us?","datePublished":"2025-07-02","dateModified":"2025-07-02","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/homeinspectionsovercoffee.com\/author\/curtis\/#Person","name":"Kloc Curtis","url":"https:\/\/homeinspectionsovercoffee.com\/author\/curtis\/","identifier":6,"description":"Curtis Kloc is a U.S. Navy veteran and seasoned entrepreneur with over two decades of experience in business development, inspections, and technical systems. He has built and sold multiple six- and seven-figure home inspection and environmental services companies, including HERO Inspections & Environmental and Elite Analysis. Curtis is the founder of Inspections Over Coffee, a nationally expanding franchise known for its white-glove service, inspector training systems, and streamlined operational workflows.\r\n\r\nWith deep roots in nuclear engineering from his time as a Machinist Mate and Engineering Laboratory Technician aboard two U.S. Navy aircraft carriers, Curtis brings unmatched precision and discipline to every business he runs. He is certified and licensed in home inspection, mold assessment, asbestos inspection, and environmental testing, and is a member of NACHI since 2006. Curtis now leads AI automation initiatives through Nexation.ai, helping businesses eliminate busywork and refocus on what matters most\u2014client relationships, growth, and results.","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/homeinspectionsovercoffee.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1630069397452.webp","url":"https:\/\/homeinspectionsovercoffee.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1630069397452.webp","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Person","name":"Curtis Kloc","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/homeinspectionsovercoffee.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/site-logo.png","url":"https:\/\/homeinspectionsovercoffee.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/site-logo.png","width":512,"height":512}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/homeinspectionsovercoffee.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/home-inspection-blog-17.png","url":"https:\/\/homeinspectionsovercoffee.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/home-inspection-blog-17.png","height":736,"width":1312},"url":"https:\/\/homeinspectionsovercoffee.com\/what-we-look-for-and-what-we-dont-heating-systems-from-pilot-lights-to-furnace-filters\/","about":["Uncategorized"],"wordCount":721,"articleBody":"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat We Look For (And What We Don\u2019t): Heating Systems \u2014 From Pilot Lights to Furnace FiltersIt\u2019s always funny to me how many different ways there are to heat a house\u2014and how few of them actually work when I show up. From forced air to boilers to radiant floors, I\u2019ve seen it all. Some are modern marvels, some are 40 years old and just praying for retirement. My job? Test it safely and report what I find. That\u2019s it. I'm not tuning it, I'm not repairing it, and I\u2019m definitely not voiding your warranty by poking where I shouldn\u2019t.The Systems I Commonly InspectHere\u2019s a short list of what I\u2019ve tested, activated, or called out over the years:  Gas furnaces \u2013 Most common. I check the thermostat, run the system, inspect flame visibility, venting, and filter access.  Electric furnaces \u2013 Quieter, but I still test for function, heat output, and safe wiring.  Heat pumps \u2013 These reverse depending on the season. If it\u2019s cold out, I can only test heating, and vice versa.  Boilers and hydronic systems \u2013 I check for heat at radiators, look for leaks, rust, signs of pressure issues. I don\u2019t test expansion tanks or bleed radiators.  Radiant floor heat \u2013 Electric or water-based. If it\u2019s working, my thermal camera helps confirm. If it\u2019s not accessible or off, I report limitations.  Wall and baseboard heaters \u2013 Electric or gas. I test for function and clearance but don\u2019t disassemble.  Wood stoves, pellet stoves \u2013 Visually inspected only. I don\u2019t light fires or confirm chimney sweep maintenance.  Solar thermal systems \u2013 Extremely rare, but I\u2019ve seen them. Usually tied to radiant floors or water. Inspected visually only; I don\u2019t test pumps or storage tanks.What I\u2019m Looking For\u2014And What I\u2019m Not  \u2705 I\u2019m looking for: operation, heat output, strange smells, burner flame condition, rust, corrosion, soot, venting issues, dirty filters, and safety hazards.  \u274c I\u2019m not looking to: service burners, adjust gas pressure, inspect internal exchanger coils, or confirm installation specs. That\u2019s for HVAC pros.Why You Might Need a SpecialistIf I can\u2019t get the system to turn on\u2014or it runs poorly, smells off, or shows signs of damage\u2014I\u2019ll let you know. And you\u2019ll want to call in a licensed HVAC contractor. They can scope the heat exchanger, run diagnostics, or tell you if the blower motor is about to die. I don\u2019t guess. I document.My Thermal Camera Helps Spot Hidden Heat (Or the Lack of It)One of my favorite tools for heating systems is my thermal camera. I use it to verify warm airflow from registers, spot radiant floor patterns, and check for cold zones. It\u2019s especially useful when floor heating is claimed but the seller \u201cforgot\u201d to leave it turned on. If it\u2019s running, I\u2019ll know. If it\u2019s cold, you will too.Access and Weather LimitationsIf the thermostat is locked, the unit is shut off at the breaker, or it\u2019s 100\u00b0F outside and the system is in cooling mode only, I document that and explain the limitation. I don\u2019t override owner settings or force systems into operation that aren\u2019t meant to be running. Heating system safety matters.FAQs: What to Expect From the Heating System InspectionDo you test every heating system?I test every accessible, safe-to-operate system using normal controls. If it\u2019s off, locked, or weather-restricted, I\u2019ll explain why it wasn\u2019t tested in the report.Can you tell me how old the furnace is?Yes\u2014usually by decoding the serial number on the unit. Age helps indicate expected lifespan and upgrade timing.Do you open up the furnace or boiler?No. I remove the front service panel if it\u2019s safe, but I don\u2019t dismantle units or access sealed components. That\u2019s HVAC territory.What if the system doesn\u2019t work?I\u2019ll report that clearly\u2014and recommend a licensed HVAC technician evaluate the system. Heating repairs or replacements can be costly, and you need expert advice.\u2192 Next up: Post 18: Cooling Systems \u2014 Testing, Limitations, and What\u2019s in Scope\u2190 Previously: Post 16: Electrical Red Flags \u2014 Panels and Wiring That Worry InspectorsCurious what it\u2019s like to schedule your own home inspection with us?\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"What We Look For (And What We Don\u2019t): Heating Systems \u2014 From Pilot Lights to Furnace Filters","item":"https:\/\/homeinspectionsovercoffee.com\/what-we-look-for-and-what-we-dont-heating-systems-from-pilot-lights-to-furnace-filters\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]