This was originally posted to a different newsgroup, and I was referred here.
> I'm looking for suggestions on what to ask an HVAC person to
>> look for when inspecting the equipment on a home we're probably
>> going to buy. I have a pretty good idea on what to ask, but
>> would appreciate your experience as well. The home is fairly
>> large, with 4 Heil A/C units, and 4 gas furnaces of
>> unknown size. I don't have the model numbers of the Heil units,
>> but see they use Copeland scrolls. The house is 4 years old,
>> so the equipment is modern. I'll be getting an overall home
>> inspection as well, but am planning to ask a local HVAC company
>> we used in the past to come out to look over the equipment and
>> to make sure all is right. Specifically, what should I tell
>> them I want done and what should I ask for? The equipment is
>> in two mechanical rooms, each on either side of the house, so
>> there's no attic work involved unless you think there's a
>> reason they should check ductwork in the attic.
>>
>> One of the split units does the heating and cooling of a great
>> room, with a 18' flat ceiling. The dual filter return is on
>> the blasted ceiling, 18' up in the air. Rather than buy a tall
>> step ladder for changing the filters, would it be prohibitively
>> expensive to jack the presumed upflow furnace up a few inches
>> and slip a
>> filter box under it? Have you ever done this? What other
>> choices are there for this rather impractical filter location?
>>
>> The visit would take place during the "due diligence" phase of
>> a purchase, but before we would close the transaction. The
>> power is on, so I would expect the tech to cycle the furnaces
>> and AC's to be sure they start and run. During that time, I
>> suspect he'd check the refrigerant pressures. Would it make
>> sense at that time to add refrigerant if needed, or would you
>> have him come back?
>>
>> Any other thoughts, suggestions or help would be appreciated.