friend's heat pump misbehaving

Pete_24

Thanks for all the info, it's good to know that no condensate should be generated in heat mode, so something is really wrong if they're producing a *lot*. They're going to check it out first thing tomorrow when it's light out.

I assume outside is only the AC condenser, so it should never turn on when they call for heat? If the wiring is wrong, they should see the outside condenser spinning, otherwise it shouldn't kick on at all if it's wired right, correct?

If they flip the disconnect for the AC condenser, should this negatively impact the heat at all?

Pete_24

Our friends recently had a new Payne Heat Pump installed. The system keeps crapping out and when this happens they hear water swishing around. The installer doesn't seem to be able to help them and it's getting very cold out.

Any suggestions as far as what they should check out to see what's causing the water issue (i.e. condensation pump problem, something else?)

tom_49

Pete,

Where is the sound coming from? Are you sure its water?

"Crapping out"?

Could be anything. more info needed.

hvacfreak

no condensate in heat mode...

There is no condensate being produced in the heating mode....
wait...the condensing unit may be stuck on in the ac mode , and electric heat is compensating. Hmmm...feel the insulated pipe and make sure it is hot when the unit is running ( outdoor unit ). If it is cold , it is in the cooling mode. - freaktopia

hvacfreak

dehumidification

With the condensing unit cooling and the electric heat reheating , you would make alot of condensate...I'll bet it is a low voltage wiring error to the outdoor unit ( reversing valve is being energized some how.

Pete_24

Sorry for the braindead query with very limited information. Unfortunately I haven't seen it myself yet, maybe I can go take a look at it tomorrow and report back with more information.

I just feel terrible that they're freezing so I figured I'd see if anyone had some suggestions with the limited info I had. She mentioned that she found water on the floor, that the heating guy 'drained the water' and magically it worked for a few hours then stopped working. She made it sound like she heard water swishing around in the air ducts, which sounded very strange to me, but I'm ignorant when it comes to this type of system.

I am so thankful that I have steam heat

hvacfreak

Turn it off...

Call them and have them turn the disconnect off to the outdoor unit and put tstat in emergency heat mode...least they'll be warm.

Pete_24

Sorry for my ignorance, but does the heat pump utilize water in any as part of its heat making process? For example, would there be any other explanation for water other than something being messed producing condensate?

hvacfreak

water source

Water source units do , but they are not real common in residential...and I'm not aware of any water source " Payne " systems. - Mike

brucewo1b

Pete

If it was working corectly the outside unit would be running but the reversing valve is not reversing ie staying in cooling mode, but in emergency heat mode you are using the electric deicing elements to heat the home until it can be fixed properly.

Pete_24

thermostat

I was reading up on what you were saying. I really think you're right on.

I haven't had them check the thermostat, but it sounds like if the electrician hooked up the wire to the "B" instead of the "O" that the problem that you're describing could exist? What do you think?

hvacfreak

enter sandman

Sorry , sandman got me....yeah , the Payne needs the valve energized on a call for cooling...hot gas will go to the outdoor coil. -freakin sleepy

hvacfreak

wild **** guess..

I was just guessing at this whole thing...if I was right , my drink of choice is " Makers Mark "..lol. Let me know what was found - Mike

Pete_24

So I finally got a chance to see it today. Turns out there wasn't a heat pump, it was actually a payne hot air furance. The wiring was fine, but the system was 'choking' because condensation water was logged in the exhaust pipe.

Does it make sense that hot air would produce condensation? Seems like it makes sense to me.

To make a long story short, the pitch was messed on the exhaust pipe and it was not pitching back to the unit, which would then in turn go out to the condensation pump, rather it was getting stuck in the exhaust pipe, causing the unit to choke and shut off.

hvacfreak

Payne in the neck

Damn , we had it figured down to the terminal on the stat...we broke the seal on the champaign...now you come up with this condensing gas furnace stuff ? LOL ... Serves me right...hey ," WE ONLY TALK ABOUT BOILERS HERE "...what I should have said , ( kidding ).