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Heat-pump installation before startup checklist

A pre-startup heat-pump installation checklist for matched equipment, mounting and clearances, refrigerant line set, electrical service, condensate, ducts, filters, sensors, controls, auxiliary heat, weather protection, penetrations, and permit readiness before the system is energized and commissioned.

6 items to check

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Indoor and outdoor equipment models, orientation, supports, and clearances are correct

Critical item

Units should match approvals and remain stable, drainable, serviceable, and clear of airflow restrictions.

Refrigerant piping, insulation, joints, support, and protection are installation-ready

Critical item

Line sizes, length, elevation, joints, evacuation preparation, insulation, and penetration sealing should follow instructions.

Branch circuit, disconnect, overcurrent protection, wiring, grounding, and service receptacle are ready

Critical item

Electrical work should match nameplate and adopted requirements.

Primary and secondary condensate drainage, traps, pumps, and overflow protection are complete

Critical item

Condensate should drain reliably without damaging the building or creating concealed leaks.

Duct transitions, filters, thermostat, sensors, staging, and auxiliary heat are connected as designed

Critical item

Air and control connections should support the approved sequence and service access.

Penetrations, labels, guards, cleanup, and required inspections are ready before startup

The installation should be complete enough for safe commissioning and official inspection.

Use after equipment and connected work are installed but before final startup. This page verifies visible installation readiness; qualified technicians must perform refrigerant and energized tests. Do not open energized equipment, handle refrigerant, defeat safety controls, or enter unsafe attics or crawlspaces. Require licensed or qualified HVAC and electrical work where applicable.

Reference standards

  • Approved HVAC design, adopted state and local mechanical and electrical code, permit and inspection conditions, utility or rebate requirements, signed scope, and exact equipment, refrigerant, duct, condensate, control, and accessory manufacturer instructions
  • Matched-system certification, manufacturer installation and extended-performance data, and approved commissioning procedure

    • Tools

  • Written proposals, load calculation, equipment selections, duct and control plans, permit, and approved changes
  • Equipment data, commissioning forms, airflow and static-pressure records, refrigerant records, and electrical test documentation
  • Camera, thermometer, owner-safe observations, and qualified trade instruments used by competent personnel

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