Greensboro Home Inspection: AC and Heat Pump Terms Explained

Heating and cooling notes appear in nearly every Triad home inspection. Here is what common terms mean. Your inspector is the best guide to your report, and a licensed HVAC contractor can explain repair or replacement costs.

Cooling performance

Temperature split — The difference between return and supply air; a low split can mean low refrigerant or airflow problems. See AC repair.

Short cycling — The system turns on and off too often, often from oversizing.

Past expected life — The system is older than typical. See AC replacement.

Heat pumps

Auxiliary heat — Backup heat strips; inspectors may note whether they work.

Defrost operation — The outdoor unit should defrost in winter. More: heat pumps in a mild Triad winter.

Refrigerant type — Older systems use refrigerant that is costly to recharge.

Ducts and crawl spaces

Disconnected duct — A duct run that has come loose under the house. More: crawl space ductwork.

Sweating ducts — Condensation on ducts in humid crawl spaces.

Moisture in crawl space — Standing water or high humidity under the house. See humidity control.

Drains

Condensate line — Carries water from the indoor coil; clogs cause leaks.

Secondary pan — A backup pan under attic units to catch overflows.

Many Triad homes have ducts in vented crawl spaces and heat pumps outside, so inspection notes often mention both. A contractor can explain which items affect comfort and bills the most and which are routine maintenance.

If a report mentions several items in the crawl space, ask whether duct sealing, insulation and a vapor barrier can be done together, since they often share the same visit and access.

A contractor can check flagged items and give a written price before closing. See ductwork and crawl spaces.