Home Inspector A/C Summer Tip

Here’s a home inspector A/C summer tip that often goes unchecked, can make a big difference on your electric bill, and effect the comfort level inside your home.

The vast majority of us have what is called a split A/C system. This means the air handler and one set of coils is located on the interior of the home and the A/C condenser is located outside. The interior half of the A/C system, aka evaporator coils are located inside the furnace plenum and are not typically accessible. The picture to the right shows the exterior condenser. Notice how the cooling fins are clogged with cotton wood seed and debris? This can cost you as much as 30% in efficiency if not maintained. Your tip, should you decide to accept it, is to keep this clean. Do not use a pressure washer or any high pressure method of cleaning as you risk damaging the cooling fins. You can simply use a garden hose (with the unit turned off) and wash it from the inside out, and then from the outside. You don’t have to worry about the water. The unit sits outside in the rain and snow anyway.

 

The other half of your A/C system is not normally available for you to view as it is inside of the furnace plenum. However, you can take good care of it by keeping your furnace filter clean. As a home inspector I see a lot of nasty filters. The one to the left is filthy and should be changed as soon as possible.  The 1″ filter in this configuration is not designed to clean the air in your home. It is there to keep those coils from clogging up with dust and debris. The filter in this picture is a 1″ cotton pleated filter and should be checked monthly.

 

 

I prefer the cheaper fiberglass filters during the summer months as they protect the coils, allow maximum air flow and trap larger particles that would otherwise clog the coils. Maximum air flow is important. The more air that moves through the system, the sooner the thermostat is satisfied and the less the unit needs to run. These filters should also be checked monthly.

 

 

 

 

 

If you have a 4″ or 5″ filter you have the best of both worlds because you will trap small particles, and because of the increased surface area of the pleats you still move maximum air, plus the filters don’t need to be changed as often. Maybe twice a year depending on use.

 

 

 

Keeping the filter and condenser clean is how you can maintain maximum efficiency throughout the cooling season. Whether you have a split system, a window unit or an commercial all in one unit you can save money by keeping it clean.