{"id":"condensing-unit","version":"0.2.0","classification":{"uniformat":"D3030"},"names":["Condensing unit, split system"],"aliases":["CU","condensing unit","split AC outdoor unit"],"service_life":{"median_years":15,"range_years":[15,15],"range_basis":"source_spread"},"pm_tasks":[{"task":"Air conditioning checks and maintenance","frequency":"P6M","reference":"Good estate management for schools: Compliance tracker","url":"https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5f84b003e90e077041376d18/Compliance_Tracker.xlsx","checklist":"Compliance tracker, sheet \"Tracker\", ref 30"},{"task":"Remove debris from air screen and clean under unit","frequency":"P1Y","reference":"Public Buildings Service Preventive Maintenance Guide (Public Buildings Maintenance Standards)","url":"https://web.archive.org/web/20231003141600/https://origin-www.gsa.gov/system/files/GSA%20PBS%20Preventive%20Maintenance%20Guide%202022-01302023_0.pdf","page":443,"checklist":"HVAC-CND-01-01Y Condensing Unit - Refrigeration"},{"task":"Pressure wash condenser coil with coil cleaner and rinse","frequency":"P1Y","reference":"Public Buildings Service Preventive Maintenance Guide (Public Buildings Maintenance Standards)","url":"https://web.archive.org/web/20231003141600/https://origin-www.gsa.gov/system/files/GSA%20PBS%20Preventive%20Maintenance%20Guide%202022-01302023_0.pdf","page":444,"checklist":"HVAC-CND-01-01Y Condensing Unit - Refrigeration"},{"task":"Straighten coil fins with a fin comb","frequency":"P1Y","reference":"Public Buildings Service Preventive Maintenance Guide (Public Buildings Maintenance Standards)","url":"https://web.archive.org/web/20231003141600/https://origin-www.gsa.gov/system/files/GSA%20PBS%20Preventive%20Maintenance%20Guide%202022-01302023_0.pdf","page":444,"checklist":"HVAC-CND-01-01Y Condensing Unit - Refrigeration"},{"task":"Check electrical connections for tightness","frequency":"P1Y","reference":"Public Buildings Service Preventive Maintenance Guide (Public Buildings Maintenance Standards)","url":"https://web.archive.org/web/20231003141600/https://origin-www.gsa.gov/system/files/GSA%20PBS%20Preventive%20Maintenance%20Guide%202022-01302023_0.pdf","page":444,"checklist":"HVAC-CND-01-01Y Condensing Unit - Refrigeration"},{"task":"Check unit mounts and refrigerant line supports","frequency":"P1Y","reference":"Public Buildings Service Preventive Maintenance Guide (Public Buildings Maintenance Standards)","url":"https://web.archive.org/web/20231003141600/https://origin-www.gsa.gov/system/files/GSA%20PBS%20Preventive%20Maintenance%20Guide%202022-01302023_0.pdf","page":444,"checklist":"HVAC-CND-01-01Y Condensing Unit - Refrigeration"},{"task":"Clean and treat rusted areas; touch up paint","frequency":"P1Y","reference":"Public Buildings Service Preventive Maintenance Guide (Public Buildings Maintenance Standards)","url":"https://web.archive.org/web/20231003141600/https://origin-www.gsa.gov/system/files/GSA%20PBS%20Preventive%20Maintenance%20Guide%202022-01302023_0.pdf","page":444,"checklist":"HVAC-CND-01-01Y Condensing Unit - Refrigeration"},{"task":"Leak test refrigerant circuit","frequency":"P1Y","reference":"Public Buildings Service Preventive Maintenance Guide (Public Buildings Maintenance Standards)","url":"https://web.archive.org/web/20231003141600/https://origin-www.gsa.gov/system/files/GSA%20PBS%20Preventive%20Maintenance%20Guide%202022-01302023_0.pdf","page":444,"checklist":"HVAC-CND-01-01Y Condensing Unit - Refrigeration"},{"task":"Check refrigerant charge","frequency":"P1Y","reference":"Public Buildings Service Preventive Maintenance Guide (Public Buildings Maintenance Standards)","url":"https://web.archive.org/web/20231003141600/https://origin-www.gsa.gov/system/files/GSA%20PBS%20Preventive%20Maintenance%20Guide%202022-01302023_0.pdf","page":444,"checklist":"HVAC-CND-01-01Y Condensing Unit - Refrigeration"},{"task":"Inspect disconnect switches and contactors for arcing or overheating","frequency":"P1Y","reference":"Public Buildings Service Preventive Maintenance Guide (Public Buildings Maintenance Standards)","url":"https://web.archive.org/web/20231003141600/https://origin-www.gsa.gov/system/files/GSA%20PBS%20Preventive%20Maintenance%20Guide%202022-01302023_0.pdf","page":444,"checklist":"HVAC-CND-01-01Y Condensing Unit - Refrigeration"},{"task":"Check compressor crankcase heater","frequency":"P1Y","reference":"Public Buildings Service Preventive Maintenance Guide (Public Buildings Maintenance Standards)","url":"https://web.archive.org/web/20231003141600/https://origin-www.gsa.gov/system/files/GSA%20PBS%20Preventive%20Maintenance%20Guide%202022-01302023_0.pdf","page":444,"checklist":"HVAC-CND-01-01Y Condensing Unit - Refrigeration"},{"task":"Check condenser fan blades for dirt and wear","frequency":"P1Y","reference":"Public Buildings Service Preventive Maintenance Guide (Public Buildings Maintenance Standards)","url":"https://web.archive.org/web/20231003141600/https://origin-www.gsa.gov/system/files/GSA%20PBS%20Preventive%20Maintenance%20Guide%202022-01302023_0.pdf","page":444,"checklist":"HVAC-CND-01-01Y Condensing Unit - Refrigeration"},{"task":"Run unit with gauges; check compressor, controls and refrigerant pressures","frequency":"P1Y","reference":"Public Buildings Service Preventive Maintenance Guide (Public Buildings Maintenance Standards)","url":"https://web.archive.org/web/20231003141600/https://origin-www.gsa.gov/system/files/GSA%20PBS%20Preventive%20Maintenance%20Guide%202022-01302023_0.pdf","page":444,"checklist":"HVAC-CND-01-01Y Condensing Unit - Refrigeration"}],"basis":[{"type":"public_document","life_type":"planning","title":"CNA e-Tool Estimated Useful Life Table","by":"U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development","url":"https://www.hud.gov/sites/documents/eul_for_cna_e_tool.pdf","page":12,"code":"HUD CNA 3.4.3.1.2","label":"Electric AC condenser, pad or rooftop","years":15,"note":"Same life for family and elderly properties. US multifamily housing."}],"confidence":{"grade":"C","sample_size":null},"open_questions":["Only one source so far: HUD planning lives for US multifamily housing. Canadian and observed sources are needed.","Written for schools in England; several rows are statutory safety checks under UK law rather than equipment maintenance.","Written for GSA contracted O&M in US federal buildings; job plans are generic and defer to manufacturer instructions, and the fire extinguisher plans only point to NFPA 10."],"contributors":["unfinished.one editors"],"last_reviewed":"2026-10-22","canonical_url":"https://unfinished.one/c/condensing-unit","versioned_url":"https://unfinished.one/c/condensing-unit/v/0.2.0","licence":"CC-BY-4.0","citation":"unfinished.one (2026). Condensing unit, split system, v0.2.0. https://unfinished.one/c/condensing-unit/v/0.2.0"}