Heat Pumps

An electric heat pump is a unique

device. It doesn’t burn fuel; it transfers

heat from the outside to the inside for

heating purposes then does just the

reverse for cooling purposes (also

known as the air-conditioning mode).

There are two units to check an indoor unit that’s

coupled with a forced-air system and an outdoor

unit. A National Property Inspections professional

will provide you with a visual inspection of the air-

conditioning unit.

The outdoor unit is the most vulnerable because it has

to operate in all kinds of weather. The first thing an

inspector will note is where the unit is located. It should

not be directly in the sun for most of the day or directly

under the drip edge of a house in freezing climates. They

will also make sure that there are no bushes blocking the

unit’s side air intake for at least 1 foot and that there are

no trees overhanging the unit for at least 5 feet.

The inspector will check the two copper pipes that run

from the outside unit to the inside, and the electrical

hookup. They will identify any problems and

recommend any needed repairs.