Annual Heat Pump check/maintenance

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KGB_123_99

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Discussion starter · #1 · Sep 12, 2022

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Hello experts,

I signed up for an annual service contract with my HVAC company since my heat pump is now out of warranty. As part of the annual check up, the tech checked the defrost operation and the running pressures in A/C mode.

My question: should pressures be checked annually? Doesn't this just "break the seal" and release a small amount of refrigerant (which could add up after a few years)?

Thanks in advance

 

C

comfortdoc

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#2 · Sep 12, 2022

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It will release a couple ounces of refrigerant. Should not impact performance for many years.

 

VTP99

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#3 · Sep 12, 2022

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If they just checked vapor it would be even more miniscule

 

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jacob-k

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#4 · Sep 12, 2022

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I dont open the system unless there is a reason. Maintenance isn't a reason for me.



Sent from my SM-G998U using Tapatalk

 

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STEVEusaPA

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#5 · Sep 12, 2022

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I would've cleaned the inside/outside coils, checked the filter. I'd put on the probes to benchmark the system, and check all air temperatures-first time I ever visit a system. From there, it's only cleaning coils and checking temperatures, unless those temperatures indicate there's a problem with pressure-in which case if it's not airflow, there's a leak or failing metering device.

 

Bazooka Joe

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#6 · Sep 12, 2022

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Probably way to hot to check defrost operation without jumping something out. If your Heat Pump reversing valve is energized in cool mode, the Tech. possibly just disconnected the low voltage to the RV coil to see that the coil switches then check the refrigerant pressures, then reinergizes the RV coil, to switch back to cool mode.

If you have a contract for service twice a year, then the fall time would be better suited to check the defrost by letting machine actually defrost on its own, more so than jumping things out like in summertime check.

Do you have electric heat back up? if so they should have checked to see if your heating element energizes while in defrost, again that’s more suited to check in the fall, and would be another check.

Another check would be to verify the HP gets locked out when you put the system in auxiliary/emergency heat mode ( if your thermostat has that feature ) and whatever you have for back up actually works, more of a fall check also.

May want to go to the outside unit and verify there are caps on the service port and you cannot loosen them with your fingertips.

 

Bazooka Joe

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#7 · Sep 12, 2022

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Course if you have locking caps, those may turn, but if you have standard Schrader caps those should be on both service hookups and those should be snug.

If you have a one time yearly service, thinking coming out in the fall to check in heat mode is more important than in cool mode, for reasons given, as if defrost does not work, your outdoor coil will ice up, or if the outdoor unit fails and you have electric heat as 2nd stage many homeowners don’t know the outdoor unit is not working until they get the electric bill. Prudent to check ( visual if OD unit is easily accessible to view/check ) outdoor unit periodically during winter months.

Clean weep holes at base of OD unit should also be a PM check, so condensation can drain freely while in defrost mode. Course if you live in a mild climate maybe that is not as critical as if you live in a cold weather state?