Goodman Condenser - Heat - Buzzing Noise every 60 seconds

Hello,

I have a Goodman Condenser unit on my heat pump thats about 5 years old. Recently I noticed an intermittent buzzing noise coming from my fuse panel and I was able to correlate it to my Heat pump turning on and running. When it first turns on for heating and thereafter at an interval of every 60 seconds it makes an electrical buzzing noise at the condenser unit, this causes a similar noise at my fuse panel. It sounds like an electrical short, but the breaker (40 Amp) never cuts off. I've turned the unit off since it's only used to heat the basement.

What would be causing this? Seems to be very specific to a 60 second timer in the condenser unit.

Any help or advise is appreciated.

Dave B.

Posted by pweby on Dec 24, 2007

- By pweby Dec 29, 2007
- I had a service technician look at my unit and he diagnosed the problem as being the compressor. He checked the large capacitor and it was fine. The estimate for replacing the compressor is $1,200.00. For now I had him disconnect it so if I need I can run the Emergency heat. This is the unit for my basement area only, I have two other units that are Gas furnaces for my other floors of the house.
  
  Does $1,200.00 for replacing the compressor seem reasonable?
  
  Are there any alternatives? Refurbish compressors etc...?
  
  Thanks again,
  Dave B.
- By pweby Dec 31, 2007
- That helps a lot, thanks !
  
  Dave B.

- By Guest Jul 01, 2008
- colemem model.drhso301bd series 990686954

Solutions (2)

Best Solution

It could be your compressor trying to start but not being able to do so. It shouldnt happen that often but in cold temp the overload protector may cycle that quickly. I reccomemnd to have it checked to salvage the expensive compressor.

By joey shearer Dec 25, 2007
joey shearer Level 3
- 447 Solutions
- 1294 Score

- By joey shearer Dec 29, 2007
- To answer your question yes $1200 is a good estimate to replace the compressor correctly and by correctly i mean that when a compressor fails there is usually some reason why (occasionally they do fail when all has ben ok but here are some things to make sure the company has checked). First killer of compressors is extremely cold liquid freon being drawn back from the indoor coil due to low air flow, or any number of reasons. This is called liquid slugging a compressor and its very bad for them. Usually the indoor coil has become clogged with mold and debris. Also the next thing that can and will kill a compressor is contamination in the freon system. Any moisture turns to corrosive acid and eats away at the internal electrical windings of the compressor. Also when a compressor fails it can further contaminate the system with acid due to electrical arcing inside the freon system. So when i say correctly installing a new compressor it means to install a liquid and suction line filter dryer (these act as a filter for moisture,debris,and helps neutralize acid) also a new contactor and a new run capacitor. Also there is a product called acid away, it is a oil additive to further neitralize acid in the new compressor. (this product is only needed if an acid test indicates high acid content). So i believe $1200 a good estimate if he is going to do everything i would (as would any good refrigeration mechanic). Also you guys may want to just replace the entire outdoor unit. Usually i recommend that to my customers who have an older unit that has a bad compressor. It should be only like $1800-$2000 for the whole new outdoor section. You will also have better warranty with a whole new outdoor section. Amana units (which are now made by goodman) have a 10yr all parts warranty. You cant beat that. Also in 2010 no new units will be built that use R22 (the kind of freon that your unit has) so your entire system will have to be retrofit to R410a (the replacement freon). Also even with a new outdoor unit a acid test is recomended and definately have the indoor coil inspected for any air flow problems. It would make sense to me to replace the indoor coil as well now so you wont have to worry about this system for many years. Hope this helps.....

You stated capasitor was checked . if cap. is ok sometimes start terminal wire will burn into at compressor or you may have a loose connection causing a voltage drop (more than 10%).If both check ok try a hard start kit. Who knows it might start. good luck

By bubbalr Jan 20, 2008
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