National Home Inspector Exam Prep Podcast

04 - Inspecting Air Conditioning Systems

Charles Bellefontaine Season 2 Episode 4

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Master visual inspection and operational testing of cooling systems, including safe operating conditions and temperature-drop measurements.

Show Notes:

Episode Overview:
Learn the two main inspection tasks: visual inspection and operating the system via thermostat. Covers access panels, homeowner-serviceable parts, safety considerations, when NOT to operate systems (disrepair, unfavorable conditions), operating condition requirements (temperature ranges, cautions below ~60°F), stabilization time (10-20 minutes), and temperature-drop measurements with diagnostic limitations.

What You'll Learn: • Visual inspection procedures and safety considerations • When inspectors may choose not to operate a system • Operating condition requirements (temperature, weather) • Stabilization time for accurate results (10-20 minutes) • Temperature-drop measurements: normal range and limitations • What is typically in/out of scope per standards

Key Takeaways: ✓ Perform safe visual inspections of indoor and outdoor components ✓ Know when to operate or defer testing ✓ Understand temperature-drop measurements and their limitations

IRC Code References: IRC 2018 Chapter 14; InterNACHI/ASHI Standards of Practice

Study Tips: Practice measuring temperature drop on operating systems. Document conditions when testing is not advisable.

Intro

This episode is brought to you by GetSync.pro

This episode is hosted by Charlie Bellefontaine of Chicagoland Home Inspectors

For complete training with visual materials, practice exams, and certification support, visit nhiexamprep.com

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