-
2)Poorly sealed around opening - Light visible around the edges of the unit, loose seal material, or cracks in the accordion panel of a window air conditioner.
-
3)Not cooling or low temperature differential - The difference between the ambient room air and the cold air coming out of the air conditioner is called the “temperature differential,” and it should be 14º F or more if the unit is functioning properly.
-
4)Connected to wall outlet with extension cord - Most units are specified by the manufacturer to only be directly connected to a wall receptacle. While there are heavier extension cords rated for wall/window air conditioner use, they are 6-feet or less.
-
5)Exterior side of unit exhausts into enclosed space - When the heat generated is dissipated into an enclosed or partially-enclosed area, such as a garage or carport, the efficiency of the system is reduced.
-
6)Connected to ungrounded (2-slot) receptacle - The 2-slot ungrounded receptacles found still found in many pre-1960 homes are safe and acceptable as long as only 2-prong cords are connected to them; but all wall/window air conditioners require grounding and have a 3-prong cord. The small grey conversion plug used to connect a 3-prong cord to a 2-slot receptacle, shown below, does not actually provide a ground.
Incidentally, we note in our report if a wall/window air conditioner does not have a heating mode, if it is in a room that does not have any installed heating appliance or duct from a central system in it. While it is not a defect, we want the homebuyer to know if it is not meant to be an all-seasons room. Also, rooms without permanently installed heat are not counted in the calculation of total square footage of conditioned space for a real estate transaction.
If you want to reproduce this blog post, please contact us for permission, attribution and link requirements.
While we hope you find this series of articles about home inspection helpful, they should not be considered an alternative to an actual home inspection by a local inspector. Also, construction standards vary in different parts of the country and it is possible that important issues related to your area may not be covered here.
©2015 - McGarry and Madsen Inspection. -
