Climatemaster Geo Question

Illinoisfarmer

This isn't critical, I actually thought something was wrong - but when I read the manual, my Geothermal is operating the way it's supposed to - I just don't understand why…

Background: I have a 5 ton Climatemaster Geo heat pump, installed in 2022. It's sized pretty good (really good) for the house - it generally runs on stage 1 down to about 10 degrees, then cycles the second stage down to about -5. Obviously there are some points (anything below 20 degrees or so) where the unit runs continuously - which is great, the house always has some level of heat running, and it's very steady and comfortable. Mostly.

Recently I moved my recliner (yeah, that's a big deal for me). It's now in a corner where I'm nearer to the furnace, and occasionally, I'll hear the compressor stop, the fan rev up to high speed for a few minutes, and then compressor eventually start again. The increase in fan speed and the cooler air blowing out is something I'd noticed before - but I hadn't realized that the compressor was shutting down when that happened.

I kinda thought there was a problem with the unit, but it's very cold here this week (below zero every night) and I didn't want to bother the contractor for a minor problem while they were undoubtedly very busy. I read up on the control for the furnace (CXM Digital Heat Pump Controller) and found the following:

Extended Compressor Operation Monitoring - If the compressor relay has been on for 4 continuous hours, then the control will automatically turn off the compressor relay and wait the short cycle protection time. All appropriate safeties including the LP will be monitored during the off time. If all operation is normal, and if the compressor demand is still present, the control will turn the compressor back on.

This is exactly what's happening. There's apparently no problem with the unit. Frankly, I can live with the situation, but I thought I'd ask you all - why? Is it really necessary or normal to shut down the compressor for 5 minutes or so every 4 hours? I'm not being sarcastic or complaining - just wondering if this is common.

Thanks for listening.

EBEBRATT-Ed

It's some kind of safety test. They shut the compressor down and then restart if after timing out. This tests the pressure switches and other safeties etc to make sure they work