The fan will not be turning and it sounds like the compressor turns on and off every 15 seconds for about 10-15 times before the fan runs. The installer changed the capacitor. Did not help. Then he changed a circuit board but it is still doing it. Is this normal?
Not normal at all. Is it a new system that the installer is having trouble with. Is it a high efficiency heat pump(16seer and up?) The compressor is cycling due to a malfunction. If the installer is fustrated , they might start changing parts just to see if they can problem solve by not locating the problem. This is the difference between installer and a service technician! Ask if there is a service man available to help unless the installer is a qualified tech also, BIG DIFFERENCE! Compressor usually will "short cycle" due to a low freon charge, high amperage, improperly installed components such as a start assist kit(can cause high amps), fault at the start kits potential relay(high amps), wrong or poor supply voltage, closed pump down valve(s), damaged copper tubing inside the unit or at copper line set that comes from your house, fault at expansion valve or restricted orifice if it doesn't have an ex. valve(will cause high pressure), restricted filter drier, miswired or wrong set up(if high efficiency). The o.d. fan is probably controlled by high pressure and will not engage until it reaches a certain pressure so if its not working until the comp cycles 10-15X its probably not a high psi fault. High(excessive) amperage or a low pressure issue. If its low on freon a low pressure switch will stop the comp, the pressure will internally equalize and that will allow the low pressure switch to reset, starting the cycle again. I've seen the heat pumps reversing valve fault on a new system before(3 days used) but that's rare. With the info given that's all I can imagine. Just make sure a service tech is on the job. I had to help the installers many times. They know how to install and start, but a service tech knows, is supposed to know, how to troubleshoot and "fine tune". If the installer don't have help, or a boss who can help, call someone else or just be patient. We all see new issues that we are dumbfounded by.
I called the company that installed it again. Actually, it was an insurance job. My other unit was stolen and they put the entire system in. So, they have tried replacing capacitor and a circuit board and they are supposed to be back tomorrow. Thanks for the information.
The company is scheduled to come out today. Thank you for your suggestions. I will pass them on to the technician. I am a computer specialist/troubleshooter/network admin with Windows, Mac, and Linux. If i can be of any assistance in those areas in the future, let me know. I TS hardware and software issues. Networked the pc's at our location before wireless was available.
×
89 views
Usually answered in minutes!
I took a photo of the specs.
The model# is fuzzy but its not one of the more efficient of the heat pumps. If it is short cycling the low pressure switches on r410a freon usually open at about 40-50 psig. I'm betting its low on freon or has a reversing valve issue(not to common). You have a 2010 model Carrier. May state another name but its a carrier style. Maybe have a second opinion from a Carrier sponsored HVAC company? There must be a control circuit that can be found causing the short cycle, especially if its cycling at 10-15 sec intervals. Or maybe the installer is not used to r410a freon pressures and he's thinking r22 and don't realize its low on freon? Tough to say
×