Thread: Help Heatpump freezing

Hello,


I have a Lennox HP19 system that is around 15 years old. The compressor died 5 years ago and it was replaced.
Last year this same issue started happening at the end of winter and we never fixed it. In summer it cools perfectly and uses minimal electricity. I've washed, cleaned everything and replaced the filters. First day of winter it worked perfectly (first time I switch it from cooling to heating). Today it froze again...
I have two questions.
1) Is it worth repairing or buying a new system? since it is old.
2) What could the problem be?


Thank you in-advance
You can find the full resolution photos here
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/nbt4z0m9t23smq6/kCpbLT5hQ9
Photo 2013-10-24 10 17 48 AM.jpgPhoto 2013-10-24 10 25 19 AM.jpg

You should call a HVAC contractor and have them check it out.
You do realize this is a home inspector forum, and not a HVAC forum? While we, as inspectors, know that something is wrong, and may even have a clue as to what it might be, your best bet is to have a professional check it out - in person.

Originally Posted by Jack Feldmann

While we, as inspectors, know that something is wrong, and may even have a clue as to what it

Jack,

It be Froze !

What is pictured is a frozen indoor coil. The system is in cooling mode regardless of the setting of the T'stat. Best guess is bad transfer valve or mis-wired/faulty thermostat.

As said, have HVAC tech check it out.

Originally Posted by Vern Heiler

What is pictured is a frozen indoor coil. The system is in cooling mode regardless of the setting of the T'stat. Best guess is bad transfer valve or mis-wired/faulty thermostat.

As said, have HVAC tech check it out.

As this Unit was Manufactured June 1994 you should consider Replacement.

Originally Posted by Billy Stephens

As this Unit was Manufactured June 1994 you should consider Replacement.

That is what the service manager wrote on our shirt sleeves to be recited at every opportunity.

Still say it could be something very simple and the system could work for many more years as it has a new compressor.

With a heatpump freezing up the inside coil I would be looking at a stuck reversing valve. Turn it off, let it defrost and then turn on the emergency heat only until you can get it repaired. You would be better of replacing the entire unit due to its age.

I would cast my lot with the reversing valve as the problem also or its control circuit.

15 yr old system with a 5yr old compressor. If when the original compressor failed the system was completely flushed and dried it should have a another 5 to 10 years left in it depending on use.

Get a good service guy that you can trust. The system is sealed and the compressor is working. The rest is electronics, fan motor and valves.

It use to be (30 yrs ago) that heat pumps only had a 8yr life expectancy. AC had 20yrs. Newer systems, last 15yrs, have a longer life (18/20 yrs). It does depend on the quality of the compressor, system sizing and duct design.

The more northern the location the less value the heat function.

Originally Posted by Billy Stephens

As this Unit was Manufactured June 1994 you should consider Replacement.

Originally Posted by Garry Sorrells

15 yr old system with a 5yr old compressor. .

This " system" is going on 30 years and is likely beyond it's service life.

Originally Posted by Billy Stephens

This " system" is going on 30 years and is likely beyond it's service life.

Time to reload the windows free calculator

Originally Posted by Vern Heiler

Time to reload the windows free calculator

Vern,

If you look at OP's post they provided a link to additional pictures.( does Chrome Allow You to View Such?)
* Photo Number 11 shows the Serial Number of this "System" S894F59421 this is June 1994 "Going on 30 years."
** if you have a Serial Number List that shows differently please post it.

Originally Posted by Billy Stephens

Vern,

If you look at OP's post they provided a link to additional pictures.( does Chrome Allow You to View Such?)
* Photo Number 11 shows the Serial Number of this "System" S894F59421 this is June 1994 "Going on 30 years."
** if you have a Serial Number List that shows differently please post it.

2014 - 1994 = 20 yes?

Originally Posted by Vern Heiler

Time to reload the windows free calculator

Yep,
It's Time.

Check the air return. Make sure the filters are clean and there is free air movement and circulation through the system. If something gets placed in front of the air return grill and blocks the airflow, the indoor and outdoor coil will freeze. If thats not it, call an HVAC service person. It can be a couple different things. Get a quote. Anything over 2K and I would look at replacing the system with something more efficient.

Is that insulation in the outdoor condensor housing?

Originally Posted by James Kollhopp

Check the air return. Make sure the filters are clean and there is free air movement and circulation through the system. If something gets placed in front of the air return grill and blocks the airflow, the indoor and outdoor coil will freeze. If thats not it, call an HVAC service person. It can be a couple different things. Get a quote. Anything over 2K and I would look at replacing the system with something more efficient.

Is that insulation in the outdoor condensor housing?

There is no way that lack of indoor air flow can make the indoor coil freeze when in heating mode. Remember the indoor coil gets hot when in heating mode (save for a short period of time for defrost) The coil would just get hotter as air flow is reduced.

Originally Posted by Billy Stephens

Yep,
It's Time.

Billy, take off your shoes. Them double get me all the time.

Originally Posted by Jim Luttrall

There is no way that lack of indoor air flow can make the indoor coil freeze when in heating mode. Remember the indoor coil gets hot when in heating mode (save for a short period of time for defrost) The coil would just get hotter as air flow is reduced.

You are correct. My mistake. Im still cooling where Im at, guess it helps to read the OP.

I'd still check to see that your return is free and clear and you are getting good air circulation. The defrost cycle is reversing the heat pump cycle, using A/C to defrost. If you have obstructed airflow, it can still cause problems. I only mention it because I come from the school of thought of removing all the simple possibilities before calling in a professional.

Sounds like you might need to call someone in. Only takes a second to see if someone put a box in front of the return vent or what-have-you.

Originally Posted by Rick Cantrell

Billy, take off your shoes.

My Wife said NO!
* she drew a picture of a Hat sitting on an empty pair of shoes and told me it depicted me wearing a pair of " Odor Eaters!"