Heat Pump Condenser Coils Going Bad
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
Old 06-24-2009, 11:08 AM   #1
Registered User
 
DCHVAC's Avatar
 
Trade: HVAC Residential Commercial
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 11

Heat Pump Condenser Coils Going Bad

Have any of you guys ever had this happen? The first time it happened it took four years to get to the point of failure. All the refrigerant and oil leaked out and the compressor seized. The manufacturer wouldn't give me a new unit so I had to rebuild the old one. They gave me a new coil and compressor. After just one year, it happened again. The original installer didn't use pump ups so I put them on when I rebuilt the unit. This is a heat pump installed in northern Pennsylvania. I'm at a loss to explain this and so is the manufacturer.
Attached Thumbnails
Heat Pump Condenser coils going bad-goodman-hp-1_0001.jpg  

DCHVAC is offline  
Warning: The topics covered on this site include activities in which there exists the potential for serious injury or death. ContractorTalk.com DOES NOT guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any information contained on this site. Always use proper safety precaution and reference reliable outside sources before attempting any construction or remodeling task!

Old 06-24-2009, 09:25 PM   #2
HVAC Tech, NATE certified
 
Verbal's Avatar
 
Trade: Hvac technician. Boehmer Heating
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Pgh, Pa.
Posts: 60

Re: Heat Pump Condenser Coils Going Bad

who else tried to wipe that hair off the screen?
__________________
Best line from a customer "you here for the tune-up? the tank of 22 is in the shed, let me know if you need more."
Verbal is offline  
Old 06-26-2009, 09:10 AM   #3
Member
 
westernhvac's Avatar
 
Trade: HVAC Contractor
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Boise, ID
Posts: 62

Re: Heat Pump Condenser Coils Going Bad

Definitely from ice build up. Might not be high enough off of the ground, defrost time too short, charge low or unit is located on the eave side of the home. Just some suggestions.
westernhvac is offline  
Old 07-08-2009, 09:25 PM   #4
Registered User
 
DCHVAC's Avatar
 
Trade: HVAC Residential Commercial
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 11

Re: Heat Pump Condenser Coils Going Bad

Thanks for the reply Western. I thought it was from snow since it was only the first loop of the coil but the home owner is insistent that snow never builds up where the condenser is. I thought about the defrost issue as well but wouldn't the entire coil have the same damage if the defrost was the issue? I've observed many HP condensers just before they go into defrost and they all have frost building in bands all around the coil and not just on the first loop on the bottom. This is where I'm stumped.
DCHVAC is offline  
Old 07-08-2009, 09:32 PM   #5
manager
 
greghvacguy's Avatar
 
Trade: heating cooling tech
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Round Lake IL
Posts: 28

Re: Heat Pump Condenser Coils Going Bad

Looks like you have a dog peeing on the coil. Have seen it take the bottom of the coils out.
greghvacguy is offline  
Old 07-09-2009, 11:13 PM   #6
Pro
 
BigMikeB's Avatar
 
Trade: HVAC
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: NJ
Posts: 221

Re: Heat Pump Condenser Coils Going Bad

Quote:
Originally Posted by DCHVAC View Post
Thanks for the reply Western. I thought it was from snow since it was only the first loop of the coil but the home owner is insistent that snow never builds up where the condenser is. I thought about the defrost issue as well but wouldn't the entire coil have the same damage if the defrost was the issue? I've observed many HP condensers just before they go into defrost and they all have frost building in bands all around the coil and not just on the first loop on the bottom. This is where I'm stumped.
What is the scrap mark on the coil from a screwdriver? How high is the damage 1.5"? First two tubes.
__________________
The Veto toolbag, the Louis Viton of tool transport. The official toolbag of rich guys.
BigMikeB is offline  
Old 07-11-2009, 04:36 AM   #7
Registered User
 
DCHVAC's Avatar
 
Trade: HVAC Residential Commercial
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 11

Re: Heat Pump Condenser Coils Going Bad

Yes BM, the first two tubes. The damage is from fin deformation and then copper failure after that.
DCHVAC is offline  


« Previous Thread | Top of Page | What's New | Next Thread »
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes Rate This Thread
Linear Mode Linear Mode
Rate This Thread:

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
2 ton vs 3 ton heat pump charlesmd HVAC 5 05-01-2009 10:46 AM
heat pump jdager HVAC 2 01-31-2009 04:17 PM
heat pump rookie benleach HVAC 2 01-21-2009 10:05 PM
heat pump ? allaroundcomfor HVAC 2 10-29-2008 09:15 PM
Heat Exchanger Inspection Methods MechAcc HVAC 3 04-14-2005 04:38 PM

Join Now... It's Fast and FREE!

Privacy Badge
I am a professional contractor
I am a DIY Homeowner
ContractorTalk.com is for
PROFESSIONAL CONTRACTORS ONLY!

At ContractorTalk.com we cater exlusivly to professional contractors who make their living as a contractor. Knowing that many homeowners and DIYers are looking for a community to call home, we've created www.DIYChatroom.com DIY Chatroom is full of helpful advices and perfect for DIY homeowners.

Redirecing in 10 seconds
No Thanks
terms of service

Already Have an Account?