North Carolina Home Inspector Practice Exam

What is a typical issue that can arise from having too low an air flow in an A/C system?

1. High efficiency

2. No cooling effect

3. Increased humidity

4. Both B and C

The correct answer is: Both B and C

In an air conditioning (A/C) system, having too low an airflow can lead to significant performance issues. A primary consequence of low airflow is that it can impede the cooling process. When airflow is insufficient, the air that passes over the evaporator coil, which is responsible for cooling, is reduced. This can result in the system failing to cool the air effectively, leading to a substantial reduction in the cooling effect that occupants expect. Moreover, low airflow can also lead to increased humidity levels indoors. As the A/C system runs, it not only cools the air but also removes humidity. Insufficient airflow means that the moisture present in the air does not get adequately drawn across the evaporator coil where condensation occurs, thus allowing higher humidity levels to persist in the space. This increase in humidity can result in a less comfortable environment as well as potential growth of mold or mildew. Both the lack of a cooling effect and the elevation of indoor humidity levels are typical issues stemming from low airflow in an A/C system, making the choice that includes both these consequences the most accurate.