Ductwork and airflow inspection: scope, costs, and what to ask

What inspection should address

Describe the rooms, seasons, and door positions associated with discomfort. Ask what can be inspected visually and what measurements are included, such as airflow or leakage assessment. Request a written map or description of problem areas, access limitations, and recommended next steps before authorizing major distribution changes.

Understand the system being assessed

Duct design and sealing affect how conditioned air reaches rooms. An airflow complaint should be assessed as a distribution problem as well as an equipment question.

ENERGY STAR — Duct sealing · Source checked 2026-09-06

Useful details to gather before the visit

You do not need to diagnose the equipment. Record the observations you can make without opening panels or accessing unsafe areas.

• Which rooms are uncomfortable, and in which season?
• Does closing a bedroom door change the problem?
• Have there been renovations, new filters, or changes to vents?

Have the model, approximate age, prior service findings, and warranty documents ready if available. Describe recent changes to the home and your goal for the visit.

Ask for findings you can use

Request a written report identifying what was inspected or tested, what was found, and what could not be assessed. Have the provider distinguish an observed fault from a recommendation for further diagnosis. Ask for priorities and next steps; the report should not imply that an inspection can guarantee future reliability.

What affects the price for this project?

Ask which duct runs, returns, seals, insulation, dampers, or controls are included, and how access and surface repairs are handled. Require the proposed result and verification method in writing; cleaning, sealing, balancing, and replacement are different scopes.

Temperaly does not set provider prices. Ask for the charge for the proposed scope and a written explanation of exclusions. A useful quote separates required work from optional improvements so you can compare offers for the same result.

An example of a question worth resolving

A room is comfortable with the door open but stuffy when closed. Describe the pattern and ask about supply and return airflow before accepting a larger HVAC unit as the answer.

Use the example to frame your questions, not to diagnose your home. Ask the provider what evidence supports their recommendation and how they will verify the result.

Choose your next step

Review the scope, price, timing, and warranty before authorizing work. Start a ductwork and airflow inspection request with your service city and state and what you need help with. A request does not reserve an appointment.

For a broader equipment decision, read repair versus replacement. For a current loss of comfort, see AC not cooling or no heat.