Heat Pumps and Electric Heating - Rheem heat pump auxillary heat not working
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gary j king
09-30-09, 05:57 PM
We have a 15 year old Rheem Mod. # RPKA 030 JAS 10 seer heat pump.
The heat strips look like 4 individual cook-stove elements wrapped around the inside of the blower housing. They are approx 3/8" in dia. and appear intact, not cracked, broken or corroded.
They do not come on in defrost cycle, or when the heat pump can no longer keep up with below freezing temps. When the red light on the thermostat comes on, the air goes cold.
My HVAC friend insists that I replace this dinosaur, but the A/C works very well, and it makes heat down to 40 degrees or so. Can it be repaired or is he right.
The heat strips look like 4 individual cook-stove elements wrapped around the inside of the blower housing. They are approx 3/8" in dia. and appear intact, not cracked, broken or corroded.
They do not come on in defrost cycle, or when the heat pump can no longer keep up with below freezing temps. When the red light on the thermostat comes on, the air goes cold.
My HVAC friend insists that I replace this dinosaur, but the A/C works very well, and it makes heat down to 40 degrees or so. Can it be repaired or is he right.
dac122
10-01-09, 07:21 AM
If the heat pump is still work then the best money usually is to ride it until it dies.
Yes, you can fix the aux heat and it shouldn't bee too expensive. You need to find the problem. Check the control wires to the air handler, continuity of the elements, power to the elements, and then dig into the schematic. Check the simple stuff first and work your way in.
Let us know what you find. We'll be here and keep the light on.
Yes, you can fix the aux heat and it shouldn't bee too expensive. You need to find the problem. Check the control wires to the air handler, continuity of the elements, power to the elements, and then dig into the schematic. Check the simple stuff first and work your way in.
Let us know what you find. We'll be here and keep the light on.
gary j king
10-01-09, 07:44 AM
My friend is coming this morning to ohm it out and trace it back from there if the elements have continuity. Thank you for your unput and i'll keep you posted.
Just out of couriosity have you ever seen auxilary heat strips made like this, they look like stove burners?
Again thank you.
Just out of couriosity have you ever seen auxilary heat strips made like this, they look like stove burners?
Again thank you.
dac122
10-01-09, 10:05 AM
Just out of couriosity have you ever seen auxilary heat strips made like this, they look like stove burners?
Again thank you.
I am not that well versed in older designs but it seems reasonable.
Again thank you.
I am not that well versed in older designs but it seems reasonable.
Houston204
10-04-09, 11:18 PM
I've seen these elements on newer air handlers as well.
It's probably only a faulty heat sequencer.
http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s160/Houston204/Rheemahu.jpg
It's probably only a faulty heat sequencer.
http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s160/Houston204/Rheemahu.jpg
Former Member
11-03-09, 04:51 PM
Rheem at 15 years you can probably still buy the heat coils replacement kit. As soon as you replace one sequencer you will probably have another one go out or a coil itself. It only has a few screws holding it in place slide that puppy out and replace the whole thing would be my advice. Your bud is right though a new unit complete would be a better choice.