Prepare Your Air Conditioner for a Home Inspection in Less Than 1 Hour

The home inspection is a standard step in the home-buying process. While these are usually scheduled at both the buyer's and seller's convenience, occasionally buyers want to have the inspection done as soon as possible. Such requests don't give sellers much time to prepare for the inspection. If you are selling your home this summer and a prospective purchaser asks for a home inspection on short notice, you won't be able to replace windows or paint your home's siding like HomeAdvisor recommends. Even an hour, though, is enough time to ready your air conditioner for the inspection. Here's how.

Replace Your Air Filter

You'll want to replace your home's air filter. Even the most basic inspections include a visual check of the air filter, in which the inspector will look for a buildup of debris and mold. Replacing your air filter right before the inspection ensures that it looks pristine when the inspector pulls it out.

Changing out your air filter takes only a minute longer than driving to the nearest store and back. To replace your air filter,

1. locate your air filter, which will be near your air conditioner's indoor intake
2. pull the air filter out
3. check the size of the filter, which is printed on its side
4. purchase an identically sized filter from your local hardware store (some grocery stores also stock filters)
5. insert the new filter, paying careful attention to put the side labeled "top" on the top

The most common mistake homeowners make when changing their air filter is inserting it upside-down. If it's not inserted properly, then it won't filter out airborne particles.

Hose Off Your Air Conditioner's Condenser

The inspector will test your air conditioner to ensure that it works properly. You'll want your unit to perform at peak efficiency, which requires a free flow of air through the outdoor part of the unit. The faster air moves through your air conditioner's condenser, which sits outside of your home, the more quickly the condenser will be able to transfer heat from inside your house to the outside air.

To ensure that air can flow freely through your condenser, hose off any leaves or grass that are on its sides or top. There shouldn't be any debris on it that would limit air flow. A brief hosing should only take 5 to 10 minutes. In less than an hour you can get your air conditioner ready for the inspection. All you need to do is replace your air filter and hose off your unit's condenser. For assistance, talk to a professional like JV Systems Air Conditioning And Heating of Tampa Bay Inc.