Standby Power consumption American Standard

I am looking for information about Standby power consumption on my new AC system.
American Standard Platinum 20 System
Heat Pump4 86V0036810000B
Air Handler TEM8A0C36V31DB
Stat ACONT850AC52ZA

The unit was installed in April 2021. It has operated without problem, but the standby current draw appears excessive. The compressor unit has a 1.85 amp draw per leg when the system is off. This amounts to more than 10Kw per day in a standby mode. In an extremally efficiently constructed home in Texas we are accustomed to several weeks in the spring and fall using no climate control at all. Additionally, the use of the heat pump in the mild winter may be very minimal. This means that standby energy consumption will cost more than any possible savings from this Costly new unit. The previous York 18 Seer had negligible power consumption whin not heating/cooling. The dealer has refused to contact AS to see if this is normal and/or expected. The dealer has dismissed my concerns. AS will not allow homeowners to speak to anyone about technical issues rather refers you back to the dealer who is not concerned about the issue. Can someone help me determine: 1. Is the consumption normal? 2. What is it? 3. What can be done about it?

 

Welcome to the forums.

I can't find that condenser model number.

There is a 240v to 24v transformer in the air handler. That would be several watts. (5-10)
Many heat pump condensers have a crankcase heater on the compressor to keep the compressor warm in colder weather for better starting. With most companies that heater is an option. With some companies it's installed in all heat pumps and the installer can disable it.

 

Pete
The correct model # is4A6V0036A1000B.

 

Low Ambient Cooling
As manufactured, this system has built in freeze protection that will allow cooling operation
below 55°F but will reduce capacity or shut down completely to prevent operation under adverse
conditions.

American Standard service manual - pdf

 

Pete
Thank you for locating the information. So, the Sump Heat probably amounts to +/- 80% of the 1.85 amps and the rest possibly powering the control board ect.? This would mean that if I run the heat pump 5 days in January, I will heat the sump for 26 days at a cost of $18.53. (206 Kw @ $.09/Kw) This doesn't include the other .35 amps of phantom power .... another 48 Kw. My thoughts are that I will shut off the power to the outside unit when not in use. I will turn the power on and allow the sump to heat 6 hours before calling for heat in temps below 80 deg.F. There are a lot of downs sides to this. The biggest being that when the outside unit is off, I can't make the air handler blower run to circulate air. Any comments?
Thank You again!
Astrocat35

 

Up here.... I'd recommend leaving the unit on for the entire heating season.
Down where you are you may not even need a sump heater at all.
Check with your dealer and get his opinion.
He'll know best as it's in his operating territory.

 

Pete
I started with my dealer. He wasn't concerned enough to research my question. I am quite sure his answer would be as it was before ...... just turn it on and let it run. The problem is I am just not willing to waste 900-1000 Kw annually.
Astrocat35

 

My forum partner is Houston204. You could send him a PM and ask his opinion.