Temperature differential on A/C High

[sel wel]

This was something that was listed in my inspection report. See attached image. At this point I am outside of the time frame for inspections. So cannot ask for an HVAC person to give me a estimate. Is this a major issue? The unit and ducts were noted as fine and that the air filter was dirty. Is there a huge probability that something will be very wrong with the unit? The a/c was installed in 2012 thank you for any advice.



31822

[Scott Patterson]

Could be from the dirty filter or dirty coils.

[Raymond Wand]

Good info here -
http://hvac-talk.com/vbb/showthread.php?145014-Return-and-supply-temperature-difference

[Jim Luttrall]

It is running and cooling. It could be the outside air temperature was cooler than normal and the dirty filter. In any case, follow the advice of your inspector, get the unit serviced. You need an annual service anyway and there is no better time than the present.

[Mark Reinmiller]

Is there a huge probability that something will be very wrong with the unit?


Not likely.

[Jerry Peck]

You need an annual service anyway and there is no better time than the present.

he's in Florida ... at least once a year, but every 6 months is better as the unit may run most of the year (depending on where in Florida he is - which he is hiding from us - interesting that people come with questions for answers to them and then hide where they are from ... and where they are from can make a BIG difference in the answers.

[sel wel]

he's in Florida ... at least once a year, but every 6 months is better as the unit may run most of the year (depending on where in Florida he is - which he is hiding from us - interesting that people come with questions for answers to them and then hide where they are from ... and where they are from can make a BIG difference in the answers.

First I am a woman. Yes Women ask questions too! Im not hiding my location dodnt realize it was ness. its Tampa Bay.

[Lon Henderson]

There is a range of opinions of what the optimum temperature range is.....but 24.5 is beyond most opinions. You should have the AC serviced.

[Raymond Wand]

Sel

Without knowing the particulars of how the test was conducted its folly since humidity levels, where the temps were taken, and whether a dry thermometer was used can effect the differential readings, or an infra-red temp was taken which could be wrong since it measures surface temps and not air temps. Most likely you will not been made aware of how the temps were taken.

Personally if as you allude that its vendor installed, I would have your sales agent insert a clause in your purchase agreement that the unit be inspected/serviced prior to close at vendor cost.

[Garry Sorrells]

This was something that was listed in my inspection report. See attached image. At this point I am outside of the time frame for inspections. So cannot ask for an HVAC person to give me a estimate. Is this a major issue? The unit and ducts were noted as fine and that the air filter was dirty. Is there a huge probability that something will be very wrong with the unit? The a/c was installed in 2012 thank you for any advice.



31822

Sel, Typically as a result of having an inspection you have the option to renegotiate the sales contract. You, may be able to require a HVAC inspection and also include renegotiation after that inspection. Especially since the HI told you that the HVAC needed to be checked. Else, it's snooz-you loose for waiting.


Then there is the question of the other thread (20 min later) that followed this thread:
http://www.inspectionnews.net/home_inspection/heating-ventilation-air-conditioning-hvac-home-inspection-and-commercial-inspection/43263-c-installed-no-permit.html
"I found out that the a/c in a home I am purchasing was installed by the seller without a permit. It seems to work fine per the inspection But is there a way to get it inspected and show installation was up to code? "

Which is a red flag. The HVAC could have been installed correctly and it just needs a tweak or the coil is over sized for airflow, ducts are undersized and the list goes on. It is possible that the seller thought that they could install a larger unit than the original size, thinking it will cool better. Which is wrong thinking, doesn't really work that way.

So go back and renegotiate the contract or expect to spend money on the HVAC.

[Jerry Peck]

First I am a woman. Yes Women ask questions too!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUBnxqEVKlk :D

Trust me, I know women ask questions too. :)

My apologies, I could not tell from the name and instead of using he/she or s/he as a generic when there is no indication ... most use "he" ... and suffer the consequences if they are wrong, as is the case here. :)


Im not hiding my location dodnt realize it was ness. its Tampa Bay.

It asks for your location and your name when you sign up - some even give fake names.

Some state "USA" as though that helps us, some state (as you did) FL or their state, and for small states or states with one environment, that may work, but FL is a long state and has different climates for South Florida and the Keys, to Central Florida (where you are) to North Florida.

Is your air conditioner a straight-cool or is it a heat pump? That would not affect the temperature difference for cooling, but it would indicate that you are likely to run your unit most of the year as it would run for both cooling and heating. Straight-cool units only run the condenser (outside unit) when cooling is needed.

For heat pumps, it is best to have them checked and service twice a year as they run most of the year.

As an example of why where you are makes a difference, straight-cool units are used in South Florida because many feel that it would be a waste to pay the extra for a heat pump and then seldom run it, never getting back the additional money spent on the heat pump. In Central Florida, heat pumps are common as we need to run them most of the spring, all summer, some of the fall, and most of the winter.

In North Florida, they would likely run their air conditioning systems somewhat less that Central Florida as it is typically cooler there and has more 'okay, let's open the windows and enjoy the weather' days for many people.

Just giving examples of why it matters when asked for your location.

For your question, though, as the others have said, likely not an indicator of a big issue, but is an indicator to have the system serviced and cleaned.

While the a/c company is servicing and cleaning it, have them verify if it is a heat pump or if it is just straight-cool ... a heat pump will be an indication that your heating cost will be lower during the winter.