Wording for not testing AC in cold temperatures

[clambert2]

Originally Posted by ccurrins

http://www.nachi.org/forum/f20/testi...tml#post602158

CARRIER -page 3

Do Not Operate Below 55 F
Your outdoor unit is not designed to operate when outdoor
temperatures are lower than 55_F without modification. If
operation below this temperature is required, consult your Carrier
dealer.



ColdPoint -page2

CNC air conditioners are designed to provide comfort
cooling at outside temperatures above 60 degrees.
Operating the air conditioner below 60 degrees may
cause unit failure and will void the Warranty. If you
have need for cooling at lower outdoor temperatures a
'low ambient cooling' option is available. Contact your
local contractor or call the factory.

Christopher,

Thanks!! That is exactly what I was hoping would be posted. I have been arguing against that 65 °F "rule" for about 10 years and have even shown the same proof you did. However most go and run and hide behind the 65 °F rule.

Sorry Mr. and Mrs. Client but is is only 63° F and I CANNOT turn your AC on it is too cold, yet the mall, the hospital and your neighbor's system is running at this moment with no apparent problems. Call back when it is 66° F and I can test it then.

[Christopher Currins]

Originally Posted by clambert2

Sorry Mr. and Mrs. Client but is is only 63° F and I CANNOT turn your AC on it is too cold, yet the mall, the hospital and your neighbor's system is running at this moment with no apparent problems. Call back when it is 66° F and I can test it then.

The afternoon client get their's inspected/tested, but the a.m. client is sh** out of luck.

[David C. Macy]

I had noticed when I signed up for Mike Crows Millionaire package he stated he tested AC units at any temperature. He is from Texas so I am not sure what the coldest temps are in his service area.

I only signed up for a short time and received my money back for various reasons.

Anyone know what Mike Crows millionaire inspectors are doing to test AC units in the winter when temps are below 60-65 degrees?

Just curious as I could never figure out what he was doing.

I typically get a call in the late spring from a previous client asking for me to pay for a new AC unit or service. I then look at there report and review that it was 15 degrees out when I did the inspection in the winter, I did not operate the unit, recommend a warranty with a pre-existing condition. When I go over this with the client the are like and hang up.

[David A. Andersen]

If you know the difference between a scroll and a reciprocal compressor, you can run the scroll with no problems, but maybe not on an old recip...

Not in Ohio anyway...

[David C. Macy]

Originally Posted by dandersen

If you know the difference between a scroll and a reciprocal compressor, you can run the scroll with no problems, but maybe not on an old recip...

Not in Ohio anyway...

Type to me Dave, his inspectors use a compressor to test in cold weather?

It is one of his marketing ploys that he states he does but no one else inspects.

[Dan Bowers, CMI]

Where does DON"T test below 60 or 65 degrees come from ....... Anybody in business over 6 months OR that took ANY type of formal HI schooling was taught this; IF you read the state SoP of MANY states; the SoP of many National HI Associations; or read MANY manufacturers instruction manuals ... You already know this.

IF you picked up clipboard and flashlight and started walking and talking, you probablt don't know it.

[David A. Andersen]

David, Your going to have to direct me to that one...

If he is using a refrigeration compressor, he and all of his inspectors had better be certified by the EPA or they may end up in jail. Or at least cut into that million dollars they make!

The EPA fine is based on the size of your business. They do their best to put the hurt on you!

[Dan Bowers, CMI]

David A. -

What they're doing is probably what we did 20 years ago ... Put cardboard or tarp over O/S condensor to artificially raise operating pressures.

Thats one thing for service tech BUT whole different liability for HI.

"Oh yes your honor I'm the listing agent, selling agent, seller or whatever AND although the 27 other inspectors and 5 licensed A/C techs we talked to said he SHOULD NOT have run it ..... AND when we checked with the inspectors state OR association SoP those also said that was a NO / NO".

"BUT Mr. DumbButt home inspector put a tarp over our AC unit outside and ran the unit in 41 degree weather anyway"

"Then a week later when the buyers moved in" .................................


At which time Mr Inspector OR his insurance company will be FORKING out $$$$$$$$$. Some of our guys just NEVER learn.

Oh well stupid is as stupid does.

[David A. Andersen]

Yes blocking the condenser without knowing the pressures can produce a close facsimile of "Old Faithful".

[Barry Adair]

odd change to sop from 60 to 65 degrees F

for those that don’t have the older inachi property inspection report notebook 1/1008

guess older guys were doing it wrong for the last 1003 years

[Dan Bowers, CMI]

My NACHI & NAHI say 60 degrees / OLD ones of ASHI (1984-198 said 60.

So I use 60 degrees

[Barry Adair]

Dan, that's a given for those with advanced knowledge & experience
but the newbies are going by different sop than what this assoc started with, possibly the reason for confusion within this assoc.
typo or blatant change of old sop someone should clarify

on the inachi sop page Last revised 10/19/11

3.5. Cooling

I. The inspector shall inspect:

1. the central cooling equipment using normal operating controls.

II. The inspector is not required to:

1. determine the uniformity, temperature, flow, balance, distribution, size, capacity, BTU, or supply adequacy of the cooling system.
2. inspect window units, through-wall units, or electronic air filters.
3. operate equipment or systems if the exterior temperature is below 65° Fahrenheit, or when other circumstances are not conducive to safe operation or may damage the equipment.
4. inspect or determine thermostat calibration, cooling anticipation, or automatic setbacks or clocks.
5. examine electrical current, coolant fluids or gases, or coolant leakage.

[Dan Bowers, CMI]

Well they just need to get with you and my program then.

[John Allingham]

Originally Posted by gfox1

Can someone post their wording for what they say in their inspection reports when the temperatures are too low to test the AC system....The more the better.

Greg
Here's something to consider.
I confirm every booking by E-mail. This line is part of that E-mail

"If the outdoor temperature is less than 18C, central air conditioning
systems cannot be operated without damaging the compressor unit. In
the winter, snow covered surfaces cannot be inspected."

That way clients have a chance to get used to the limitations before hand and they don't present a problem at the inspection.

[Sam Frante]

Just warn the prospective homeowners that if they buy a house in the winter time, they might not know if the AC is working correctly until it is too late. File that one under "lessons learned the hard way" lol.

We get a fair share of mild to unseasonably warm days in winter where I live, and that's when my business gets a ton of requests for pre-purchase inspections.