Heat Pumps and Electric Heating - Heat Pump Problems
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doitmyself55997
02-09-09, 07:11 PM
I have a 3 ton Lennox heat pump (XP13-036) and air handler (CBX27UH-042) about a yr and half old. Recently the heat pump was shutting down after 1 minute of running in temps below 45 degrees. Above 45 to 50 degrees it ran fine. A/C had no problems when running.
The first time the tech came out it went above 50 degrees outside and he couldn't duplicate the problem. The second time I called them, they saw the unit shut down after 1 minute of running. The temps were in the 40's that day. They said the TXV needed to be replaced.
They ordered the part and came today to replace it. The problem now is the compressor is extremely noisy. The tech checked pressures and the readings were fine. He told me he wasn't sure why it was noisy now. He saw that it was quiet before he made the repair. He said to give it a couple days and see if the noise goes away. This makes no sense to me. Why would "time" fix this problem? He later said he didn't think the noise would go away. The unit cools and heats the house fine but the compressor noise is presant in both modes and is very loud.
Any ideas what the problem could be? I'm going to call them in morning and tell them the noise is not acceptable and they need to fix it.
Any thoughts or advice is appreciated.
The first time the tech came out it went above 50 degrees outside and he couldn't duplicate the problem. The second time I called them, they saw the unit shut down after 1 minute of running. The temps were in the 40's that day. They said the TXV needed to be replaced.
They ordered the part and came today to replace it. The problem now is the compressor is extremely noisy. The tech checked pressures and the readings were fine. He told me he wasn't sure why it was noisy now. He saw that it was quiet before he made the repair. He said to give it a couple days and see if the noise goes away. This makes no sense to me. Why would "time" fix this problem? He later said he didn't think the noise would go away. The unit cools and heats the house fine but the compressor noise is presant in both modes and is very loud.
Any ideas what the problem could be? I'm going to call them in morning and tell them the noise is not acceptable and they need to fix it.
Any thoughts or advice is appreciated.
dac122
02-10-09, 07:11 AM
Did he check the current draw on the unit? High current draw is indicative of a failing compressor. Did he check for one or more bad compressor shock mounts, or some other noise vibration close to the compressor?
You need to get them motivated to solve the problem, or find someone else.
You need to get them motivated to solve the problem, or find someone else.
doitmyself55997
02-10-09, 06:26 PM
They did nothing as far as checking the electric draw on the unit last night. I called them this morning and they asked that I give it 48 hrs. They thought maybe there was oil in the lines and needed to get pumped back to the compressor. (???) If the problem continues they are set to come back out on Friday.
It's heating the house at night and cooling during the day but the outside unit sounds horrible. The noise is unbelievably loud. I'm sure it's bothering my neighbors as loud as it is.
The unit has a 10yr parts/labor warranty so I think I'm covered. It's only a yr and a half old. This company installed the unit (with many problems) but did right by fixing them so I continued to call them. Does anyone know if I have to use them to maintain the warrant coverage with Lennox?
Does it make sense the compressor would go bad right after replacing the TXV for the heat?
It's heating the house at night and cooling during the day but the outside unit sounds horrible. The noise is unbelievably loud. I'm sure it's bothering my neighbors as loud as it is.
The unit has a 10yr parts/labor warranty so I think I'm covered. It's only a yr and a half old. This company installed the unit (with many problems) but did right by fixing them so I continued to call them. Does anyone know if I have to use them to maintain the warrant coverage with Lennox?
Does it make sense the compressor would go bad right after replacing the TXV for the heat?
dun11
02-10-09, 07:10 PM
Besides what Dac122 told you, a bad TXV, given time could cause a mechanical failure. I'am sure your covered by your warranty, if your not happy with your service co. call any local Lennox distributor(not contractor) and get a Lennox field rep on site:thumbup:
doitmyself55997
02-10-09, 07:30 PM
Thanks dun11 and dac122.
I'm going to take your advice and try to get ahold of a Lennox field rep here to take a look at it.
I had a very bad problem with this company during the install (dirt in the lines and entire system due to a very sloppy install) Below is a link to the post of the horror story. In a nut shell, it was resolved correctly.....they replaced both the inside and outside units and dropped the contract price by 20% for last wages and aggravation.
http://forum.doityourself.com/air-conditioning/302289-brand-new-c-problems-dirt-line.html
dun11 - I see you're from Bucks County, Pa. My Dad lives in Erwinna!!!
Thanks for both your input. Going to search for a Lennox Distributor now.
I'm going to take your advice and try to get ahold of a Lennox field rep here to take a look at it.
I had a very bad problem with this company during the install (dirt in the lines and entire system due to a very sloppy install) Below is a link to the post of the horror story. In a nut shell, it was resolved correctly.....they replaced both the inside and outside units and dropped the contract price by 20% for last wages and aggravation.
http://forum.doityourself.com/air-conditioning/302289-brand-new-c-problems-dirt-line.html
dun11 - I see you're from Bucks County, Pa. My Dad lives in Erwinna!!!
Thanks for both your input. Going to search for a Lennox Distributor now.
dac122
02-11-09, 06:17 AM
I'm afraid you are the poster child for how a questionable install of a good unit can have all sorts of consequences.
Yes you can use any certified Lennox dealer. Now might be the right time to have another come out and begin correcting the situation. While they are there ask them to look over your entire install.
Yes you can use any certified Lennox dealer. Now might be the right time to have another come out and begin correcting the situation. While they are there ask them to look over your entire install.
doitmyself55997
02-11-09, 06:09 PM
The strange thing about the whole problem now is the unit is running a little quieter since the repair was done on Monday. It doesn't sound totally normal but is a bit quieter.
I tried to find a Lennox "rep" verses contractor and the nearest one I can find is in Orlando. I'm in Clearwater. The current repair company wants to come back on Friday if it's still noisy. I may let them do that and see what they want to do.
Depending on their plan, I may call another Lennox dealer to get another opinion. The system does seem to be running better but it's also been a lot warmer today which I've noticed definately makes a difference.
I tried to find a Lennox "rep" verses contractor and the nearest one I can find is in Orlando. I'm in Clearwater. The current repair company wants to come back on Friday if it's still noisy. I may let them do that and see what they want to do.
Depending on their plan, I may call another Lennox dealer to get another opinion. The system does seem to be running better but it's also been a lot warmer today which I've noticed definately makes a difference.