Not testing the AC in winter is poor service to your client.

Clearly, there is still a lot of disagreement among professionals on this topic. I believe that as we inspect, it is our main duty, similar to a physician, to "Do No Harm".

In Kentuckiana (Greater Louisville area) we mostly have gas furnaces, but there are some outside the city without gas service who utilize heat pumps. For those outside with heat pumps, we always check its functionality, except the reversing valve. But for those with AC and Furnaces, until there is greater clarity and definite answers, we will only check the furnace when the outside temps are above 60'.

We have been testing AC in winter/colder weather for years. Never had an issue. Of course we can not test for the temperature drop, however we can make certain that the equipment turns on and works. It is only ran for less than 2-3 minutes.

Once we had an hvac company tell us it should not be done. However, we later saw the same hvac company running an ac system on a cold day running it like normal and without the protection to do to the unit.

AC can be tested during the winter and we do test them to provide a high quality home inspection for home buyers.

Peter Rossetti wrote:Nathan brought this up on a FB post last night. It doesn't get too cold here in Atlanta but I have still tested air conditioners down as low as 19 degrees.
I'm not sure why the fear of testing below a certain temperature is so widespread and why the fear is spreading faster than the education on how to properly test.

For those that wont test, Why? post your reasons here, I'm curious what you tell your clients and agents. and please don't use the "it's in my standards excuse" most of the standards are a joke anyway(another topic). If you do test the AC don't give out the process just yet...

I test down to 50F only. I figure if something goes wrong someone won't blame me for operating it below manufactures recommendations.

Will test down to 50F

[a-proinspects.com]

We not only test the air conditioner in the winter, but the furnace or heat pump in summer. When testing the heat pump, we test in all modes to ensure it is properly functioning. You'd be amazed at how many improperly wired thermostats we discover

To avoid possible damage, we do not do a temp differential test when the temps drop below 65.

www.certaintyhomeinspections.com

Thankfully here in South Texas we can test the AC without too much concern all year.

Ask a trusted HVAC contractor or two. You may hear the pros and cons. I'll be doing that soon. Winter is right around the corner.

Steve Parton, President
Spectrum Inspection Group
www.spectruminspects.com

Spectrum Pest Management
www.spectrumpesmgt.com

330.289.2889
steve@spectruminspects.com