InspectAPedia TM

Building & Environmental Inspection, Testing, Diagnosis, Repair, & Problem Prevention Advice
InspectAPedia
Home
| Air
Conditioning
| Electrical | Environment | Exteriors | Heating | Home
Inspection
| Insulate
Ventilate
| Interiors | Mold
Inspect/Test
| Plumbing
Water
Septic
| Roofing | Structure | Contact Us
New Directory of Professionals to Inspect or Test a Building New

AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEMS
AIR CONDITIONER BTU CHART
AIR CONDITIONER COMPONENT PARTS
  Indoor A/C Components
  Outdoor A/C Components
AIR CONDITIONER TYPES, ENERGY SOURCES
AIR FILTERS for HVAC SYSTEMS
AIR HANDLER UNIT
CLEANING & Legionella BACTERIA
COMPRESSOR CONDENSER
  BURNED-OUT COMPRESSOR
  CAPACITORS for HARD STARTING MOTORS
  CONDENSING COIL FINS, SUPPORT PADS
  HARD STARTING COMPRESSOR MOTORS
  INSTALLATION ERRORS, COMPRESSORS
  MOTOR OVERLOAD RESET SWITCH
  NOISY COMPRESSOR UNITS
  PRESSURE READINGS, COMPRESSOR
  REPLACING A COMPRESSOR
  TIGHT or SEIZED AC COMPRESSORS
CONDENSATE HANDLING
CONTROLS & SWITCHES
COOL OFF HEAT Thermostat Switch
COOLING CAPACITY, RATED
  FROM MODEL #
  FROM EQUIPMENT RLA #
  COOLING RULES OF THUMB
COOLING COIL or EVAPORATOR COIL
DATA TAGS on AIR CONDITIONERS
DUCT SYSTEMS
DUCTS - Asbestos
DUCT SYSTEM DEFECTS
DUCT INSULATION, Asbestos Paper
DUCTS, Asbestos Transite Pipe
DUST FROM HVAC?
FAN AUTO ON Thermostat Switch
INSPECTION LIMITATIONS
LOST COOLING CAPACITY
  What to check first
  Compressor failure diagnosis
  Duct & Air Handler diagnosis
MOTOR OVERLOAD RESET SWITCH
OPERATING COST
OPERATING DEFECTS
OPERATING TEMPERATURES
  Air Conditioning System Temperatures
  Instruments Used to Measure A/C Temperatures
  Procedures for Making Temperature Measurements
REPAIR GUIDE for AIR CONDITIONERS
REPAIR & DIAGNOSTIC FAQs for A/C
REFRIGERANTS
  REFRIGERANT LEAK DETECTION
SEER RATINGS & OTHER DEFINITIONS
SYSTEM OPERATION
  OPERATING CONTROLS
  SAFETY CONTROLS
THERMOSTATS
THERMOSTATIC EXPANSION VALVES
CRITICAL DEFECTS
Air Conditioning "How To" Books


More Information



InspectAPedia TM Home & Site Map
Air Conditioning
InspectAPedia Bookstore
Accuracy & Bias Pledge
Contact Us

Photograph of damaged air conditioner condensing coil fins

Air Conditioner Condensing Coil Fins & Support Pad Damage
AirCondAPedia ©

Google
 
  • Air conditioner condensing coil fin damage
  • Air conditioner compressor support pad defects
  • Air conditioner compressor defect diagnosis
Our site offers impartial, unbiased advice without conflicts of interest. We will block advertisements which we discover or readers inform us are associated with bad business practices, false-advertising, or junk science. Our contact info is at inspect-ny.com/appointment.htm.

This chapter of "How to Inspect the Central Air Conditioning or Cooling System" discusses the damaged air conditioner condensing coil fin damage & compressor support pad defects, including bent or clogged fins which can interfere with effective system operation and improper support such as tipped or leaning A/C compressors. For more photos of improper air conditioner installations see INSTALLATION ERRORS. Contact us to suggest text changes and additions and, if you wish, to receive online listing and credit for that contribution. © Copyright 2008 Daniel Friedman, All Rights Reserved. Information Accuracy & Bias Pledge is at below-left. Use links at the left of each page to navigate this document or to view other topics at this website. Green links show where you are in our document or website.

Air Conditioner Condensing Coil Fins Damage & Repair

Photograph of  This old compressor was used as a seat by workers eating lunch behind
a law office. If the condensing coil fins are extensively bent and damage, airflow across the coil is impeded, causing the same failures and operating cost issues described above for the compressor too close to the building wall.

When coil fins are sufficiently damaged as to be mostly blocked, the coil is not useable and needs replacement. Minor A/C coil fin damage can be repaired using special "combs" sold for that purpose - ask your air conditioner service technician to look at, evaluate, and repair fin damage.

Air Conditioning Compressor/Condenser Unit Support Pads

Outside A/C compressors are typically supported on a concrete pad, concrete blocks, or a vinyl pad such as the one shown in the photo at page top. The air conditioner compressor support pad should be level and secure against movement.

Compressors which are badly out of level may fail to function properly and need adjustment. Tipping and moving compressors can also cause can cause leaks in refrigerant lines, leading to costly air conditioning service calls to evacuate and recharge the system after repairing the refrigerant leak.

Do not try to move your A/C compressor yourself as you might cause a refrigerant leak or may otherwise damage the equipment. Ask your A/C service technician to evaluate the effects of any out-of-level conditions of the compressor as well as to comment on the available slack in the refrigerant lines that may be needed to reposition the unit. For slightly-tipped air conditioning compressors we generally leave them alone but we add support as needed to avoid further movement.



AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEMS
AIR CONDITIONER BTU CHART
AIR CONDITIONER COMPONENT PARTS
  Indoor A/C Components
  Outdoor A/C Components
AIR CONDITIONER TYPES, ENERGY SOURCES
AIR FILTERS for HVAC SYSTEMS
AIR HANDLER UNIT
CLEANING & Legionella BACTERIA
COMPRESSOR CONDENSER
  BURNED-OUT COMPRESSOR
  CAPACITORS for HARD STARTING MOTORS
  CONDENSING COIL FINS, SUPPORT PADS
  HARD STARTING COMPRESSOR MOTORS
  INSTALLATION ERRORS, COMPRESSORS
  MOTOR OVERLOAD RESET SWITCH
  NOISY COMPRESSOR UNITS
  PRESSURE READINGS, COMPRESSOR
  REPLACING A COMPRESSOR
  TIGHT or SEIZED AC COMPRESSORS
CONDENSATE HANDLING
CONTROLS & SWITCHES
COOL OFF HEAT Thermostat Switch
COOLING CAPACITY, RATED
  FROM MODEL #
  FROM EQUIPMENT RLA #
  COOLING RULES OF THUMB
COOLING COIL or EVAPORATOR COIL
DATA TAGS on AIR CONDITIONERS
DUCT SYSTEMS
DUCTS - Asbestos
DUCT SYSTEM DEFECTS
DUCT INSULATION, Asbestos Paper
DUCTS, Asbestos Transite Pipe
DUST FROM HVAC?
FAN AUTO ON Thermostat Switch
INSPECTION LIMITATIONS
LOST COOLING CAPACITY
  What to check first
  Compressor failure diagnosis
  Duct & Air Handler diagnosis
MOTOR OVERLOAD RESET SWITCH
OPERATING COST
OPERATING DEFECTS
OPERATING TEMPERATURES
  Air Conditioning System Temperatures
  Instruments Used to Measure A/C Temperatures
  Procedures for Making Temperature Measurements
REPAIR GUIDE for AIR CONDITIONERS
REPAIR & DIAGNOSTIC FAQs for A/C
REFRIGERANTS
  REFRIGERANT LEAK DETECTION
SEER RATINGS & OTHER DEFINITIONS
SYSTEM OPERATION
  OPERATING CONTROLS
  SAFETY CONTROLS
THERMOSTATS
THERMOSTATIC EXPANSION VALVES
CRITICAL DEFECTS
Air Conditioning "How To" Books


More Information

InspectAPedia TM Home & Site Map
Air Conditioning
Contact Us

Use links just below or at the left of each page to navigate this document or to view other topics at this website. Green links show where you are in our document or website.

AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEMS
AIR CONDITIONER BTU CHART
AIR CONDITIONER COMPONENT PARTS
  Indoor A/C Components
  Outdoor A/C Components
AIR CONDITIONER TYPES, ENERGY SOURCES
AIR FILTERS for HVAC SYSTEMS
AIR HANDLER UNIT
CLEANING & Legionella BACTERIA
COMPRESSOR CONDENSER
  BURNED-OUT COMPRESSOR
  CAPACITORS for HARD STARTING MOTORS
  CONDENSING COIL FINS, SUPPORT PADS
  HARD STARTING COMPRESSOR MOTORS
  INSTALLATION ERRORS, COMPRESSORS
  MOTOR OVERLOAD RESET SWITCH
  NOISY COMPRESSOR UNITS
  PRESSURE READINGS, COMPRESSOR
  REPLACING A COMPRESSOR
  TIGHT or SEIZED AC COMPRESSORS
CONDENSATE HANDLING
CONTROLS & SWITCHES
COOL OFF HEAT Thermostat Switch
COOLING CAPACITY, RATED
  FROM MODEL #
  FROM EQUIPMENT RLA #
  COOLING RULES OF THUMB
COOLING COIL or EVAPORATOR COIL
DATA TAGS on AIR CONDITIONERS
DUCT SYSTEMS
DUCTS - Asbestos
DUCT SYSTEM DEFECTS
DUCT INSULATION, Asbestos Paper
DUCTS, Asbestos Transite Pipe
DUST FROM HVAC?
FAN AUTO ON Thermostat Switch
INSPECTION LIMITATIONS
LOST COOLING CAPACITY
  What to check first
  Compressor failure diagnosis
  Duct & Air Handler diagnosis
MOTOR OVERLOAD RESET SWITCH
OPERATING COST
OPERATING DEFECTS
OPERATING TEMPERATURES
  Air Conditioning System Temperatures
  Instruments Used to Measure A/C Temperatures
  Procedures for Making Temperature Measurements
REPAIR GUIDE for AIR CONDITIONERS
REPAIR & DIAGNOSTIC FAQs for A/C
REFRIGERANTS
  REFRIGERANT LEAK DETECTION
SEER RATINGS & OTHER DEFINITIONS
SYSTEM OPERATION
  OPERATING CONTROLS
  SAFETY CONTROLS
THERMOSTATS
THERMOSTATIC EXPANSION VALVES
CRITICAL DEFECTS
Air Conditioning "How To" Books

 

Technical Reviewers

  • Thanks to Mark Cramer, Tampa Florida, for assistance in technical review of the "Critical Defects" section and for the photograph of the deteriorating gray Owens Corning flex duct in a hot attic. Mr. Cramer is a Florida home inspector and home inspection educator.
  • Thanks to Jon Bolton, an ASHI, FABI, and otherwise certified Florida home inspector who provided photos of failing Goodman gray flex duct in a hot attic.
  • Thanks to Alan Carson, Carson Dunlop, Associates, Toronto, for technical critique and for providing a copy of Carson Dunlop Weldon & Associates Technical Reference Guide to manufacturer's model and serial number information for heating and cooling equipment ($69.00 U.S.).




AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEMS
AIR CONDITIONER BTU CHART
AIR CONDITIONER COMPONENT PARTS
AIR CONDITIONER TYPES, ENERGY SOURCES
AIR FILTERS for HVAC SYSTEMS
AIR HANDLER UNIT
CLEANING & Legionella BACTERIA
COMPRESSOR CONDENSER
CONDENSATE HANDLING
CONTROLS & SWITCHES
COOL OFF HEAT Thermostat Switch
COOLING CAPACITY, RATED
COOLING COIL or EVAPORATOR COIL
DATA TAGS on AIR CONDITIONERS
DUCT SYSTEMS
DUCTS - Asbestos
DUCT SYSTEM DEFECTS
DUCT INSULATION, Asbestos Paper
DUCTS, Asbestos Transite Pipe
DUST FROM HVAC?
FAN AUTO ON Thermostat Switch
INSPECTION LIMITATIONS
LOST COOLING CAPACITY
MOTOR OVERLOAD RESET SWITCH
OPERATING COST
OPERATING DEFECTS
OPERATING TEMPERATURES
REPAIR GUIDE for AIR CONDITIONERS
REPAIR & DIAGNOSTIC FAQs for A/C
REFRIGERANTS
SEER RATINGS & OTHER DEFINITIONS
SYSTEM OPERATION
THERMOSTATS
THERMOSTATIC EXPANSION VALVES
CRITICAL DEFECTS
Air Conditioning "How To" Books
More Information

InspectAPedia TM Home & Site Map
Air Conditioning
InspectAPedia Bookstore
Electrical
Environment
Exteriors
Heating
Home Inspection
Insulate Ventilate
Interiors
Mold Inspect/Test
Plumbing Water Septic
Roofing
Structure
Accuracy & Bias Pledge
Contact Us

More Information on Building Diagnostic Inspections and Repairs

goto InspectAPedia.com - authoritative, in-depth Building Diagnostic and Repair Information for building buyers, owners, inspectorsInspectAPedia TM Home & Site Map - Building Inspection, Diagnosis, & Repair, Environmental Inspection & Testing - Research Website

GO TO the MOLD and INDOOR ENVIRONMENT INFORMATION CENTER for in-depth advice on avoiding testing for or cleaning up mold and other indoor environmental hazards, odors, gases, contaminantsThe Mold Information Center: What to Do About Mold in Buildings, When and How to Inspect for Mold, Clean Up Mold, or Avoid Mold Problems

GO TO our PRE PURCHASE BUILDING INSPECTION SERVICES: Authoritative information for home buyers and home owners is included with your inspection.Home Inspection Construction Consulting Services & advice for home buyers

GO TO MOLD TEST KITS: This expert-recommended mold test kit is cheap and yet top performing *IF* you use a competent analysis laboratory!Use this simple, economical mold test kit by following our instructions on how to collect and mail mold samples to our lab

GO TO IAQ/MOLD-TEST LAB SERVICES: Mold, Pollen, indoor air quality, field and laboratory services by an expert.Environmental Inspection, Testing, & Diagnosis On-Site IAQ, Gas, Air Testing, Mold Investigation, Sick Building Diagnosis, Lab Services, & Remediation Plan Preparation - indoor air quality testing, problem source determination, supporting lab work, written remediation plan addressing removal of environmental and other hazards and prevention of their recurrence.

CONTACT Daniel Friedman - Dan is a senior ASHI home inspector, nationally recognized expert on building inspection, building failures, and sick building investigationContact Daniel Friedman for website content suggestions or for fee-paid consulting

Google
 

07/27/2008 - 03/28/1995 www.inspect-ny.com/aircond/aircond15b.htm - Web page design & content © 2008 - 1995 Daniel Friedman All Rights Reserved