Air Conditioning Inspected, However Not Tested…..Why Not?
A typical property inspection includes the evaluation and operation of both the heating and cooling systems. The inspector will run the equipment run for 10-15 minutes to achieve operating temperatures and then take measurements to determine if the equipment is functioning correctly.
During the winter and even during the cooler spring and fall months, the temperature drops below the recommended temperature to safely operate air conditioning equipment. This may cause confusion for some buyers because they don’t understand why the inspector didn’t test the air conditioning when it was 75 degrees during the inspection. It isn’t uncommon for Indiana weather to fluctuate widely from near-freezing temperatures at night to summer temperatures during the day.
Keep reading to understand why and when air conditioners shouldn’t be operated in some conditions.
What Temperature Is Too Cold for Air Conditioners?
Most HVAC manufacturers recommend not operating units if the temperature is or has been lower than 65 degrees Fahrenheit for 24 hours. Some manufacturers suggest waiting until the weather has been 60 degrees for at least 3 days on older systems. This mild temperature allows the oil inside the compressor to warm up. If the internal oil is too cold and sluggish when the equipment is operated, damage to internal components may occur.
Running the air conditioning for prolonged times in cooler weather can also lead to refrigerant freezing, which can damage the compressor and other internal components. Most modern units have sensors to prevent the system from running cold as a protection measure. Older units that lack those sensors may attempt to run, and either fail to operate correctly or become damaged in the process. Heat pumps are designed to run year-round, however, manufacturers still recommend not using the air conditioning in cooler temperatures.
Some inspectors or service technicians will ‘bump’ test the AC unit just to ensure it turns on, however, this actually will do nothing to show the operational efficiency of the unit and should only be performed by qualified service technicians who are evaluating the system.
Recommendations:
The best advice is to not attempt to run an air conditioning unit in cooler weather.
If you recently had a home inspection and the inspector noted that the air conditioning was inspected, but not operated due to cooler temperatures, you can be assured that the inspector was still looking out for your best interests. It is best to wait until later in the spring to test, maintain or repair your unit to reduce the risk of potentially costly damage caused by running your air conditioning in colder weather.
If you have concerns about your air conditioning unit, it is a good idea to seek advice from qualified HVAC service professionals.