Unit installed. Does a great job of blowing room temperature air.

No error codes. Outside unit appears to be running (fan going), inside unit runs. Licensed electrician and HVAC guy did the install, though the HVAC guy didn't have a ton of experience on mini splits specifically.

Obviously I have a problem. Not looking for someone to fix my AC via the internet, just curious what some potential problems might be or what not.

Currently going back and forth with the manufacturer on a detailed reading of various codes and temps on the unit (that Blueridge doesn't provide curiously until you have a problem like I do) but I haven't heard back on it yet.

Hate this thing.

 

Yes..... but is the compressor running ?
Is the larger copper line ice cold ?
If yes and yes..... you are low on refrigerant.

 

Copper line is fully insulated from indoor to outdoor unit, but this is a brand new unit and has never blown cold or hot air. Don't think that's the problem.

I don't think the compressor has ever run. I assume I'd hear something other than the fan running at the outdoor unit, right? These things are supposed to be quiet but probably not this quiet!

 

I can pretty much tell when the compressor is running. If your compressor is not running..... that will be an internal problem in the condenser as the fan is running which means that unit has received the command to be cooling/running.

 

If the compressor is running then the charge will have to be pulled and weighted.
Hopefully the tech understood how minis are charged.

 

hmmm so you're saying I might have a bad condenser? What kind of a fix / costs are we talking about here? Obviously I will be trying to get the manufacturer to cover it.

 

I don't think compressor has ever kicked in. Just getting fan. IE outdoor unit doesn't sound like a quiet version of a window unit.

 

We need to know for sure if the compressor is running or not.
Otherwise we are just guessing as to what’s going on.
The brand you purchased, I’ve never seen in the field nor worked on since I started in hvac in 2001. So I don’t really know anything about how it runs.

 

Understood. Like I said, not looking to solve this problem on a forum just curious what some issues might be.

Compressor is definitely not running. Ever. It's just been the fan. Never gotten any sound of a motor kicking in or what not.

In talking with their support, I believe their units are similar to Mr Cool and Pioneer and may even be sourced from the same manufacturer, but don't quote me on that.

 

Ok, if the compressor isn’t running the next step is figuring out why. Is there power to the compressor?
If the compressor has never run, then the tech never finished charging it. As an operating unit is needed to do that.
Your situation is why I dissuade folks from making themselves an equipment supplier. If you DIY then you can work on it yourself. But this kind of thing traps you in the middle.

 

How do I know if there is power to the compressor? Talk to me like I'm 5 because I am with this thing. I'm confident the electrician did a good job. Is this something I can test now?

 

Use your meter to check for power at the peckerhead

 

lol well if you're looking for a measurement contest, sorry troll, got ya beat

 

Troll?
The peckerhead is the spot on the compressor where the wires connect. It’s a very standard term.
And if your going to have an attitude like that you’ll not get any help here.

 

Why don't you call the installer back to finish the job?

 

Hi, never heard of that unit, it appears to be a HP, as mentioned ,why not call the installer ?
https://www.alpinehomeair.com/relate...s%20Manual.pdf
Geo

 

Don't trust the original installer. I have someone else coming to take a look. I believe these units are sourced from the same manufacturer as Mr Cool and Pioneer. Spoke to manufacturer and there is additional testing on the unit. Results indicate probably a leak and low on refrigerant. Compressor ran but stopped. At some point I'll learn how to fire these things up myself.