Outside temperature too cold to operate cooling system, inspected visually: The outside temperature is too cold to operate the cooling system. Most manufacturers caution that running the AC when it is below 65ºF can damage the system. Therefore, the cooling system is only inspected visually.
Exterior components inaccessible, no operation/inspection: HVAC exterior components are inaccessible, which prevents inspection.
Air handler inaccessible, no operation/inspection: The air handler is inaccessible, which prevents operation and inspection.
Condensate pump empty, no operation/inspection: The condensate pump is empty, which prevents operation and inspection. A condensate pump is required to discharge water which cannot be discharged by gravity.
Cooling system may be subject to recall: The cooling system may be subject to a recall notice, which generally is issued because of safety concerns.
Sealed cover, no access to interior: The service access cover is sealed. Therefore, the inspection is limited.
Maintained by local association: Parts of the cooling system appear to be maintained by local association and, therefore, are not inspected.
Shared with other units, unable to determine responsibility for operation/maintenance: The cooling system appears to be shared with other units. Therefore, the inspector is unable to determine responsibility for operation and maintenance.
Pilot light off, no operation: The pilot light is off, which prevents system operation and limits the inspection.
Near/at end useful life, budget for replacement: The cooling system is near or at the end of its estimated useful life. We recommend establishing a budget to replace the cooling system.
Past end useful life, budget for replacement: The cooling system is past the end of its estimated useful life. We recommend establishing a budget to replace the cooling system.
Heat pump is compressor-based system for heating/cooling, refer to details on unit, heat pumps checked either mode depending on exterior temperature: A heat pump is a compressor-based HVAC system that provides both heating and cooling. Please refer to the appropriate Heating System for details on your unit. Heat pumps are only checked in either the heating or cooling mode, depending on the exterior temperature. This is done to prevent damage to the appliance.
Age is estimate, exact age not determined, data plate missing or no info: The age of the cooling system is an estimate. The exact age cannot be determined because the data plate is missing or does not provide the required information.
Interior/exterior units appear to be different ages, talk to owner/contractor to determine work performed: The interior and exterior HVAC units appear to be different ages. Determining which parts of the system have been upgraded is beyond the scope of this inspection. Consult with the owner or an HVAC contractor to determine what work has been performed.
System predates revised DOE efficiency standards. Older refrigerants becoming rare; high efficiency replacement may not be compatible with all components, budget accordingly: This system predates revised Department of Energy standards for efficiency. As manufacturers cease or curtail the older production lines, spare parts support and the now-obsolete refrigerant gases will likely be more expensive. If an extremely high efficiency replacement is desired, they may not be compatible with air handlers and duct systems designed for the older less efficient units.