Home Inspections And Your Air Conditioner

Home Inspections and Your Air Conditioner There are different types of air conditions that can be used in your home. We will be discussing the split system central air conditioner typically found in residential homes. Air conditions are one of the most expensive mechanical systems in your home and have a relatively short life span in some climates.

According to the Carson Dunlop training manual there are some limitations to inspecting your central air conditioning system, which are; you shouldn't test an air conditioner when the ambient air is below 65 degrees F or has been below 65 degrees in the past 24 hours, don't test if the power has been off for at least 12 to 24 hours because compressor could seize, most parts of air conditioner are not visible without removing plates etc which is beyond the scope of a home inspection and the interior cooling coil is normally not visible for inspection.

Central air conditioners operate by using Freon gas between two coils. Cool liquid in the cooling coil contacts warm air of your house and attracts the heat as it boils off from liquid to a gas. The gas is then compress by the compressor to increase temperature from approximately 170 to 230 degrees F which then allows the cooler outdoor air to absorb heat from gas when it is moved through the outdoor coil. This liquid, which has been cooled down to approximately 95 to 110 degrees F, is then restricted by passing through a capillary tube or thermostatic expansion valve which brings temperature back down and then cycle is repeated over and over, cooling down your home in the process.

Another function of the air conditioner unit is to dehumidify the air. This function is performed as air passes over the evaporator coil, cooling air to past the dew point, which converts moisture in the air into condensation. This water is collected in a pan and then drains through condensate line to drain etc.

A properly functioning air condition will drop the ambient air by 15 to 20 degrees F. This will seem much cooler because of the dehumidifying of the homes air. Some air conditioners have a block heater or sump heater that warms the oil and release the gas from the lubricant. This can take from 12 to 24 hours, which is why you cannot just power up a central air condition unit and test right away.

I recently came across a situation where a real estate lady, who was representing both buyer and seller, apparently told buyers not to worry because the air conditioner was in working condition. I had told the clients that I was unable to test unit because ambient temperature was below zero at time of inspection. Imagine the homebuyer surprise when they moved in and the air conditioner was not working. Checking with the agent, they were informed that it was disclosed that air conditioner was working in uneven manner. They maintain that on their final walk through the agent, who represented both buyer and seller, reassured them that the air condition was working. Their A/C tech, who inspected unit for them, informed them that the unit had not been working for up to two years. Now the real estate agent is blaming me, the home inspector, saying her home inspector would have tested unit and also stating that there was no verbal confirmation of air conditioner condition. This is a good example of "cavet emptor" buyer beware. This local agent has left a bad impression on these particular homeowners, who do not feel that she represented their interests. She has also made comments about the home inspection that are unsubstantiated and untrue, but money will make people do strange things. It is so important to get those small details in writing, especially when your agent was originally representing the seller. Let that be a lesson for you.

Air condition compressors come in five different types, which are: reciprocating (piston), scroll, rotary, centrifugal and screw. Residential compressors are normally piston, rotary or scroll types.

Most air conditioners have a 5 minute delay built in to prevent starting unit when high-pressure gas is still in system. These types of air condition usually start up with gas being equal on each side of system. Failing to wait can cause damage to compressor. This is also true for your fridges or freezers, you should always wait 5 minutes before plugging them back in.

The compressor is the guts of the air conditioner and is usually the place where most problems occur. Here are some common problems that are encountered with compressors; Excess noise or vibration, Short cycling, Out of level, Excessive current draw, Wrong breaker size, Wiring too small, Missing electrical shut off, Inadequate cooling.

The life expectancy of an air conditioner can depends on where you live and your climate. They can last as little as 8 to 10 years in hot climates to as long as 15 to 20 years in Northern climates. Many older air conditioners may have had their compressors replaced, which would extend their life span considerably.

Tips Read your contract carefully before signing it so that you understand the rights and obligations of all parties. Never rely on a verbal agreement--agreements must be in writing to be valid.

Features to Look For When Buying an Air Conditioner - A How to Guide

Air conditioners have changed a lot over the years and some do a whole lot more than just cool the air as some may think! Here is a quick list that separates the must-have features from the gimmicky bells and whistles. There are a lot of decisions to be made when buying an air conditioner. This article is Part 1 of 2 on Air Conditioner Features and How to Buy and Air Conditioner

Chassis Type - If you're looking to buy a room unit, you should know right off the bat that there are fixed and slide-out chassis types:

Fixed chasses are the most popular and are typically lighter and are installed and removed seasonally. They are what you think of when you think of a typical window air conditioner.
A slide-out chassis is usually found on through-the-wall units and operate through a wall sleeve, although they, too, can be sometimes used in window applications. With a slide out-chassis is that owner is to perform maintenance or replacement of their window air conditioner more easily.
BTU Output - This is an ac's cooling capacity. Selecting the proper amount of BTU output for your space is crucial in order to ensure an air conditioner's peak performance potential is met. Too powerful a unit won't dehumidify properly and an underpowered unit will struggle to perform its job. Most units will tell you outright how much square footage they can handle, but these usually round up a 1,000 - 2,000 BTUs in the interest of ensuring profits and making sure a company brand isn't embarrassed by seeming 'underpowered.' A lot of people ask outright "What size air conditioner do I need?" Indeed, there are a lot of things to consider here, which are detailed in Part 2 of this series.
Energy Star Rating - AC units must be at least 10% more energy efficient than the minimum federal government standards to qualify for this certification. While at smaller cooling capacities (5,000 to 6,000 BTUs), this doesn't really make a huge impact in the upfront premium paid vs the ongoing operating costs, it does save you money at larger cooling capacities.

Warranty - This is one most basic must-have air conditioner features. Basic logic here is that if a manufacturer will not stand behind their product, why should you? Simply put, don't buy any air conditioner that has a lackluster warranty attached to it. The absolute bare bones minimum you should look for is a 1 year full unit warranty including parts an labor.

Adjustable or Oscillating Louvers - These can help direct the air where you want it to go or actively distribute the air more evenly throughout the room. It is important to note that almost all window air conditioners are better at directing air to one side than the other. Keep this in mind when considering the placement of the unit in your home before you make your purchase.

Variable Speed Fan - Look for an air conditioner that has at least 3 settings. Adjustable fans help control noise levels and system efficiencies.

Electronic Controls and Digital Display - Gives you greater precision in finding your comfort zone within a 1 degree range. If you have electronic controls, you should also look for a Remote Control, which is a great air conditioner feature for units placed in larger rooms.

24 hour Timer - Some units only have a 12 hour timer, which is absurd. Being able to set an air conditioner to run automatically will help it function at its peak efficiencies and operate only when you are home. In the long run this is a big money and headache saver.

Filters and Air Purifiers - Do not bother with units that have filters that are hard to remove and clean because you won't do it. A clean filter is essential for proper and efficient operation. Look for washable filters instead of replaceable ones.

Some units can act as air purifiers and even boast ionic cleaning mechanisms. Ionizing the air can boost the performance of your filter (given that it's clean) but keep in mind that if you have a unit that uses this air purifier technology, you should vacuum or dust your space regularly to ensure optimal cleanliness.
Quiet Mode - The noise level of an ac is one of the largest factors consumers consider before buying. Units with this setting operate at a relative whisper and provide more comfort than just cooling.
Dehumidifier Functionality - Some ac's can operate as solely a dehumidifier. During the late Spring and early Fall months when keeping your home cool is not as necessary, this feature will surely provide prolonged comfort.

Heat Pump Mode - Some units can be run in reverse, effectively converting it into a heat pump. A good feature, while is not really necessary, it is nice to have if you live in an area with mild winters. This is typically available on units with larger BTU outputs.

A Number of Factors Will Affect Heat Pump Prices

You have probably heard that you can save money on your home energy costs over time if you have a heat pump installed. However, heat pump prices are not cheap. Making a decision such as this requires a lot of planning and research. In addition, there are a number of factors that will affect the overall price of these devices.

Even though they have been around for quite some time, many people are still not familiar with their actual function. These devices move heat from one location to another to either cool or heat a particular area. Not all heat pumps use air as some use the ground for their source of heat.

We will run down some of the things that can affect the heat pump prices. Some things that will affect the overall cost include whether or not you are adding a heat pump to your existing furnace. Another factor is whether you have suitable electrical power nearby. Other factors include plenum modification, length of voltage wiring and refrigeration line.

Other factors that determine heat pump prices include the size of the pump and of there are any optional units attached to it, like a water heater. In addition, the type of pump makes a big consideration as far as the price is concerned. This refers to whether it is a ground source or an air source pump.

Whether your pump is used for heating, cooling or both will also factor into the heat pump prices. Most pumps are capable of both heating and cooling a home. If you think you can save some money by performing the installation yourself, do not. A professional should install this device.'

If you have decided to purchase one of these units and you have checked the various heat pump prices, make sure you make your purchase from a reputable dealer. In addition, make sure you have a good product warranty as well. Buying a unit without a good warranty is just a bad decision all around.

Use the internet to your advantage and search the various vendor websites to compare heat pump prices. This is a large investment and getting all the data beforehand is good business sense.

Air Conditioning Installation: What You Need to Know

Purchasing or replacing a whole house forced air conditioning unit is a major expense for most homeowners. If you are facing such a prospect and you're looking for information about how to select the right air-conditioning unit for your home, then you're in luck because we have what you're looking for right here.


In this article we are going to discuss how to select the right air-conditioning unit that you need, how to find the right HVAC contractor to install it, and what you can expect to pay. After your done reading this article you'll have a good idea about where to start in your quest to purchase or replace the air-conditioning system for your home.

Choosing a Contractor

Finding the right company for your AC installation is just as important as finding the right equipment. You want a company that will do the work correctly the first time and not half to hassle with a lot of follow-up visits.

You start by talking to your neighbors and asking who they use to service and repair the air-conditioning units on their own homes. Are they satisfied with the service and quality of their work? If so, you may want to contact those referrals and ask them to bid on your job.

When it comes time to get bids, make sure you get a FREE estimate along with a complete and detailed written bid/proposal from the contractor. Also make sure they give you a written warranty outlining both the equipment coverage and the labor coverage. You want everything in writing so that there are no misunderstandings down the road.

In addition, make sure that the company only uses skilled, licensed technicians and not trainees. Before committing to the purchase, make sure the company itself is licensed in your state. They should be able to provide you with their state license number. Also check out the company on the BBB.

Selecting a Unit

The first thing you want to do is decide on the brand of equipment you want to purchase. For example, Trane AC equipment is considered one of the best brands on the market. Other comparable brands include Amana and Carrier.

The next thing you want to do when selecting an air-conditioning unit is to make sure that it's properly sized for your home. Your contractor will need to do a heat gain calculation to determine the correct tonnage unit that can heat and cool your home in the most efficient manner possible before doing your air conditioning installation.

For example, a one ton unit is has the capacity to produce 12,000 BTU's. As a rule of thumb you need 12,000 BTU's per ton of air conditioning. Your home may need a unit that's sized from one ton to five tons depending on the size of your home. An undersize unit will not be capable of cooling down your home sufficiently on hot and humid summer day and it will actually cost you more to operate because they have to run longer in order to do the job. Plus, the longer it runs the shorter the life of the unit.

What does it cost?

Central air-conditioning systems come in a variety of sizes and costs. A lot depends on the size, construction, and even the shape of your home. Some will need ductwork, some won't. But to give you an idea of the wide range in prices air-conditioning systems can range anywhere from $3,000 all the way up to $15,000.

Preparing For An Air Conditioning Install

You need to have a technician provide an air conditioning install for your home. You've spent the time to locate a company that you trust to do a great job. Now that you are ready to make a buying decision, what should you think about and plan for going forward? The AC system of your home, whether it is a component of your furnace system or not, is one of the most powerful and longest-lasting systems of the house. If you want it to be the ideal choice for your space, you will need to invest some time into considering the right type of system for the home.

Size and Features

Before you get the air conditioning install completed, talk to the technician about what you are getting exactly. It is a good idea to discuss the options available to you. You'll want to invest in a system that is large enough for your home but not so large that it works inefficiently. When selecting a system, find out what amount of square footage is ideal. Realize that bigger is not always better.

Second, consider the features of the system. Does it run efficiently? Learn about and compare the Energy Star rating of the system to make sure it is ideal. Find out if the manufacturer offers a warranty, including the length and what is included of that warranty. Learn about the maintenance and upkeep of the system, too. Do you need to buy filters for it? How often will you need to replace them? Once you learn this information, you can make a wise buying decision.

Preparing for the Installation

Before you sign on the dotted line, you'll need to talk to the technician about a few more things. Will the company take out the existing AC system and dispose of it properly? How will they handle the ductwork? If the ductwork needs repairs, will the company do them? What about the overall setup of the system, including the programming of the thermostat - is this included? Will the company handle the removal and installation of outside condensers, too? You need to know exactly what is in the contract before moving forward.

Then, you'll want to make sure someone is available at your home during the installation process. Ultimately, it is best if you are right there beside the professional so you can learn what he or she is doing. You should also get a guarantee from the company that the system was installed properly.

An air conditioning install can add value to your home. It also adds far more comfort than you may have right now. However, this is a big investment, and it is worth ensuring that the right team of professionals does it properly.

What Are RV Air Conditioners?

A great many people (when hear first time) get befuddled when they hear RV Air Conditioners. All things considered, there is positively no advanced science with regards to RV ventilation systems. Truth be told, RV aeration and cooling systems are very like split framework ventilation systems. 

They do however contrast generously with window aeration and cooling systems as in window ACs every one of the parts are introduced in a solitary unit though in split ventilation systems and RV ventilation systems the condenser and compressor units are introduced outside on the rooftop. 

Likewise, take note of that in RV ventilation systems the air-cooling unit is introduced inside on the roof. By and large, one cooling unit is sufficient for a room in house or a whole office space. All things considered, this is genuine when the space is little. At the point when the space is more than 30-40 feet long you may require two units (in some cases, it is ascertained in view of aggregate volume i.e. tallness, width and length). 

In this manner, when contrasted with window ACs, there are some broad safety measures and rules to keep your RV aeration and cooling systems in a decent working condition. Much the same as some other machine or electrical device, you have to deal with some essential focuses to keep your aeration and cooling system in a decent running condition. This turns out to be a great deal more vital in the event of RV ventilation system. Give us a chance to perceive any reason why. 

RV aeration and cooling systems require more support and care all the time as they have many parts, for example, engines, compressors and different segments outside. Nonappearance of customary support can prompt to disappointment of the aggregate unit or to a limited extent alongside sudden repairs and so on. 

Be that as it may, the greater part of these units are sans inconvenience for the initial couple of years however issue begins sneaking in when they get to be distinctly more established as well as in cruel climate conditions like clean and sodden conditions as most parts may get harm. Notwithstanding, some broad upkeep tips are adequate to run your AC in useful for quite a while. 

For instance, the channel of your RV aeration and cooling system ought to be changed or washed in any event once per month (obviously when they are being used in pinnacle summer months). The air channels ought to be supplanted once per month when the RV ventilation system is being used and the reusable channels ought to be washed with water and left to dribble dry before reinstallation. 

You ought to note that the stopped up and completely or incompletely stifled channels would prompt to less productivity, higher running expenses and potential issues with different segments of the framework, for example, the evaporator curl. The procedure is extremely basic that does not require much time and endeavors. Only a moist fabric with somewhat cleanser is sufficient to clean the whole unit to evacuate soil and tidy. 

Likewise, take note of that the RV ventilation system's productivity could be genuinely influenced unfavorably if the evaporator curl is not kept perfect and free of harm because of exorbitant clean or soddenness that may prompt to erosion. 

Despite the fact that there are many organizations with regards to RV aeration and cooling systems however with regards to top notch, cost successful and solid ventilation systems housetop RV ventilation systems via Carrier are the best. They give better cooling, less upkeep and inconvenience free when contrasted with different frameworks. A portion of the well known models RV are travel trailer, fifth wheel trailer, toy hauler, fly up camper, truck camper, and every single RV. 

Last however not the minimum, you ought to likewise recollect that regardless of what organization you pick and what condition you may utilize your AC, on the off chance that you need to appreciate the late spring with your RV aeration and cooling system, you should guarantee legitimate and general support of your unit.

Air Conditioning Installation - Choosing the Right Service Provider

While picking a ventilating establishment supplier, there are sure demonstrated elements that ought to go into your choice with the goal for you to guarantee that you get the best possible level of administration that your living arrangement of business merits.


Encounter

In the event that you live or work in a range of the nation that gets extremely hot all the time, then you certainly require satisfactory levels of air con working all day and all night. The most experienced specialist organizations have dealt with the largest assortment of cooling units and have introduced practically every model and make there is. The most experienced installers will likewise know how to guide you on which aerating and cooling units are the most cost effective, sparing you considerable measures of cash on your electrical bill every month. This is one of the masters of utilizing an accomplished specialist organization.

Reasonableness

You additionally ought to contrast among various specialist organizations with see which installers have among the best costs accessible where you live or work. Not each aerating and cooling establishment work costs the same, regardless of the possibility that it's a similar brand and unit estimate. So you should be watchful and do some homework to contrast costs with see which installer fit easily inside your financial plan.

Ability Level

Distinctive installers and servicemen have different specialized abilities with regards to introducing an aerating and cooling unit. Some specialist co-ops are more acquainted with particular makes and models, while others are more gifted at specific sorts of establishment employments that require larger amounts of skill. It can ask the administration installer you're thinking about to give both of you or three referrals from fulfilled, past clients so you can be sure of the installer's level of ability.

Polished methodology

One of the cons of consistently utilizing air con on your premises is the higher utility cost you'll have than if you didn't ever utilize any cooling whatsoever. Be that as it may, living without air in hot atmospheres is about outlandish. That is the reason you ought to request that your cooling installer and specialist co-op be as expert as could reasonably be expected. Polished methodology implies an abnormal state of learning and help, approaching you with deference and politeness, being solid and reliable, noting the greater part of your telephone calls and inquiries on time, and following up after the establishment to perceive how glad you were with the employment. You ought to expect, demand and settle to no end not as much as these characteristics of brilliance from your installer and specialist organization to guarantee the best outcomes.