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Thread: Heat Pumps

  1. #1
    Timothy Crotts's Avatar
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    Default Heat Pumps

    Why is it not a good idea to inspect a heat pump in the heat mode during hot weather and in the cool mode during cold weather?

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  2. #2
    mike huntzinger's Avatar
    mike huntzinger Guest

    Default Re: Heat Pumps

    ive never had an issue of doing that, its only the reversing valve you are testing, test as normal, below 40 deg. in the heat mode is not very effetive


  3. #3
    Timothy Crotts's Avatar
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    Default Re: Heat Pumps

    I've always heard that running a heat pump in the cool mode during cold weather could damage the compressor because of the lubricant in the compressor, which I suppose is not warm and not very lubricating. However, I also understand that it is not good to run a heat pump in the heat mode during warm weather; I don't understand why?


  4. #4
    James Duffin's Avatar
    James Duffin Guest

    Default Re: Heat Pumps

    Since the heat pump picks up heat from the outside air, on a hot day the refrigerant pressures can get too high and cause damage. Most likely it won't be it could. It is okay for a HVAC tech to run the system because he can monitor the pressures with his gauges.


  5. #5
    Join Date
    Mar 2008
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    Charlotte NC
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    Default Re: Heat Pumps

    Quote Originally Posted by Timothy Crotts View Post
    I've always heard that running a heat pump in the cool mode during cold weather could damage the compressor because of the lubricant in the compressor, which I suppose is not warm and not very lubricating. However, I also understand that it is not good to run a heat pump in the heat mode during warm weather; I don't understand why?
    The heat pump runs in the cooling mode every time it automatically runs a defrost cycle. You can't hurt it by running "cooling mode" in cold weather.

    The beatings will continue until morale has improved. mgt.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
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    Charlotte NC Licensed in NC and SC
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    Default Re: Heat Pumps

    Quote Originally Posted by mike huntzinger View Post
    ive never had an issue of doing that, its only the reversing valve you are testing, test as normal, below 40 deg. in the heat mode is not very effetive

    Below 40 deg? You must be talking about the old heat pumps.

    The new ones that use R410 work really good down to about 26 degrees.
    They still work below that but need an occasional boost from the electric strips.

    I have tested both of mine with the electric strips programmed to stay off to see how they did in really cold weather. This was done on a well insulated house with high end windows and R38 in the attic.

    Bruce King, B.A. King Home Inspections, LLC
    www.BAKingHomeInspections.com
    Certified Master Inspector, Independent Inspectorwww.IndependentInspectors.org

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
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    Oregon
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    2,365

    Default Re: Heat Pumps

    Quote Originally Posted by Timothy Crotts View Post
    I've always heard that running a heat pump in the cool mode during cold weather could damage the compressor because of the lubricant in the compressor, which I suppose is not warm and not very lubricating. However, I also understand that it is not good to run a heat pump in the heat mode during warm weather; I don't understand why?
    As the others have said, heat pumps are okay... you might be thinking about an air-conditioner. Those shouldn't be run below 65 for the reasons you cite.


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