Originally Posted By: bkelly2 This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Todd the unit you use as a better distance to spot ratio than mine(10:1 vs 8:1). I try to get as close to the register as possible to get an accurate measurement. If I can’t get that close I try to have the same distance to the target for each reading for accurate measurements. So far no real problems. Although at times it takes me a while to find the coldest vent.
Originally Posted By: tallen This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
bkelly2 wrote:
Todd the unit you use as a better distance to spot ratio than mine(10:1 vs 8:1). I try to get as close to the register as possible to get an accurate measurement. If I can't get that close I try to have the same distance to the target for each reading for accurate measurements. So far no real problems. Although at times it takes me a while to find the coldest vent.
If I feel uncomfortable with my reading, wether it is distance or the registar I use my probe.
I always use the closest bathroom as they usually have low ceilings that I can reach.
Hell, I turn on the AC and when I get to the closest bathroom to the unit I take a reading. If it does not jive> I put the probe in and wait 10 min. while I am doing other things.
I have reported many units with low temp diff. and have yet to be called on it by an HVAC tech.
-- I have put the past behind me,
where , however, it now sits, making rude remarks.
Originally Posted By: tallen This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I just used my gun to check my own AC and if I pointed it right, there was a 22 degree diff. from 10 feet away( from the return ). I also placed my anolog in the vent and there was only a 1 degree difference.
– I have put the past behind me,
where , however, it now sits, making rude remarks.
Originally Posted By: jwortham This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Quote:
I just left an inspection (3 times that of most monster houses I inspect). The listing agent was present (required by the seller for all who enter the house for any reason). She asked me about a home inspector who measured temperature differential and the HVAC contractor came and found "all is well". The results of the conversation was, "the bill goes to the Home Inspector"! Hope it was no one here.
That bill comes to me, it goes unpaid.
If I recommend anything be checked, it is just that, a recommendation.
If I am wrong, so be it. My recommendation was my opinion.
I get recommendations from my lawn service to spray for grubs.
I get recommendations from my insurance agent to increase my life insurance.
I get recommendations from my doctor to drink less and exercise more.
Maybe I should start following your logic.
I didn't find any grubs, so the lawn service salesman should get the bill.
I don't die before my next premium, the agent gets the bill.
I continue to drink and sit on my butt, and am fat, dumb and happy. Well Doc, you know the drill. Get out your checkbook.
I am not an HVAC tech or an electrician or a plumber.
I'm a home inspector.
I give my opinion. If I am wrong, well good on you.
You had a pro check it out and he says you are cool? Congrats. I hope you get years of service. But don't be asking me to pay for it. I won't.
Originally Posted By: pdickerson This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
It seems to me that the SOP is a little vague. Just exactly how does one "inspect the central cooling equipment using normal operating controls" without making some type of judgment as to weather or not the system is actually functioning to provide cooling air to the home. The reference books that I have say to measure the split (should be about 14-22 degrees, too high or too low may indicate problems). That's how I was trained at HI school, and when I run into a central AC system (which is rarely), that's what I do.
I would like to follow the SOP, but with regard to central cooling, I believe that it is not clear enough.
Originally Posted By: Jay Moge This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
pdickerson wrote:
NACHI SOP
2.5. Cooling
I. The inspector shall inspect:
A. The central cooling equipment using normal operating controls.
II. The inspector is not required to:
A. Determine the uniformity, temperature, flow, balance, distribution, size, capacity, BTU, or supply adequacy of the cooling system.
It seems to me that the SOP is a little vague. Just exactly how does one "inspect the central cooling equipment using normal operating controls" without making some type of judgment as to weather or not the system is actually functioning to provide cooling air to the home. The reference books that I have say to measure the split (should be about 14-22 degrees, too high or too low may indicate problems). That's how I was trained at HI school, and when I run into a central AC system (which is rarely), that's what I do.
I would like to follow the SOP, but with regard to central cooling, I believe that it is not clear enough.
normal operating controls would indicate (to me anyway) if you turn the thermostat, system comes to life, then you could use a temp. probe to see if the air is cool enough to rule out needing a charge. check the air filter (of course inspect the system before operating the t-stat.) DONE. 
just off the top of my head and with little sleep.
Originally Posted By: mgault This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
bkelly2 wrote:
I use an infared thermometer and look for a split of 18 to 22 degrees F. Never had any problems telling anyone to have the AC checked because the split was too low. Some times I have to determine which is the vent closest to the unit to get a correct reading.
I use 14-22 and I point out that the unit may need to be serviced soon if it's at the low end (depending on temp outside)... worked for years here...
