Temperature range to operate HVAC equipment

Specific Inspection Topics Inspecting HVAC Systems
#1

I couldn’t find any discussion on this topic?

Heat pumps - I know we are not supposed to operate a heat pump in cooling mode when the outside tempertare is below 60-65 degrees…what about in heating? For example if the outside is above 80 degrees is it safe to test it in the heating mode or will it cause damage?

For gas or electric furnaces - For regular heating and cooling, is there a temperature range we should not go above or below when setting the thermostat?

Thanks in advance,

Raffi Agaian

#2

David A. and others have posted this information…

http://www.nachi.org/forum/f2/would-you-test-poll-37933/index2.html#post533192

Our SOP indicates 60 deg F, read on!

#3

Yes for A/C you can’t operate if it’s been below 60 in the last 24 hours. Heat pump for heat don’t run it above 80 or if the power hasn’t been on for at least 6 hours. On most you can turn the thermostat up 4 degrees some are only 3 degrees.

#4

Thank you Tim and Robert for your responses.

Regards,
Raffi Agaian

#5

Right out of the INACHI SOP. :slight_smile:

II. The inspector is not required to:

C. operate equipment or systems if exterior temperature is below 60 degrees Fahrenheit, or when other circumstances are not conducive to safe operation, or may damage the equipment.

#6

Gentleman, our SOP states the following for heating…no mention of temperature which is what confuses me.

E. activate heating, heat pump systems or other heating systems when ambient temperatures or other circumstances are not conducive to safe operation or may damage the equipment.

For example, if you are in a house with a gas / electric furnace and the outside is 90 degrees…do you just report “not safe to operate”?..what is the temperature cut off that you would not risk operating the equipment?

Thank you!

#7

I believe they are referring to AC only. What i do is run the ac in the summer time , then test the heat . there should no problem with gas or electric.

#8

Please quit “inventing the wheel” !!!

You can turn on the heat. You (according to the inspection standards) do not need to operate the HVAC below 60-65 F.

If your qualified, yes you can…

If you want to know why you should not test: http://www.midtninspections.com/blog?page=2

#9

Unless it has a crank case heater lolol . Just messing

#10

Got it, thanks!