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Brian 162 Brian 162 is online now
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Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Guelph Ontario
Posts: 2,637
Quote:
Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy View Post
A bit of a head scratcher here. My upstairs unit seems to be a heat pump converted to a forced air gas furnace/A/C. Both heat pump control units have been cut loose, and a new unit put in place to control the gas ignition and gas valve. Outside unit has been modified, with some wiring work done, as well as a new contactor.

So, I checked the a-coil and found it to be clean. I cleaned it with a foaming a-coil cleaner anyway. Outside unit I found that the compressor not only operates correctly, but that the lines are cold. Until they get to the reversing valve. Lines coming out of the unit are hot. Low side is hotter than high side, air blowing out of the unit is cool. Basically, the outside unit is acting like a heat pump in heat pump mode.

After doing some reading, I think the reversing valve is stuck in heat mode. The solenoid has voltage, I cut it and found no change. Changing the valve itself requires a LOT of soldering work, I think replacing the unit might be more logical in the long run.
Lucky guess on my part. For a 20 year old unit you are better off replacing the complete system. The upfront cost may be a little high but newer units are more efficient and quieter.
I'd get an A/C not a heat pump.
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Last edited by Brian 162; 09-22-2008 at 06:27 PM..
Old 09-22-2008, 06:22 PM
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