I have a Trane Heat Pump that is in great working condition except that the outside coil freezes up in the winter time. The Defrost mode does "not" work. My technician says that when tested, the clock is not working/running/turning, therefore, it needs replacement. Does this sound right? It won't even switch into emergency heat/aux. heat when it does this. Any help and answers you can give me on this problem would be greatly appreciated. The nights are getting cold again and I would like to nip this problem in the bud.

Also, I have read a few of the forums where others have installed the Hunter programmable thermostat model #44760 and I noted that you were not fond of that brand. May I ask why? Is it not compatible with heat pumps? Mine works beautifully, it was very easy to wire up and program.

 

Can anybody give me some answers on my question about the clock being defective in my heat pump causing it to not go into defrost mode when it starts to frost/freeze up? Can there possibly be other things causing it to not kick in at all?

 

Defrost controls are common failures and will cause the exact problems you are experiencing.

As for the stat, Hunter is just considered low end but if it works for you that's all that matters. Check it every now and then with a thermometer just to confirm it's reading properly.

Sorry it took so long for an answer.

 

Mojorizin

You do not mention the age or model of your Trane heat pump. The older model heat pumps operated the defrost cycle on a timer as opposed to the newer models that have an electronic defrost cycle controlled by a circuit board that is more efficient and will not cause HP to go into unnecessary defrost cycle. What your tech said is correct if his diagnosis is right.

I am making assumption that your heat pump and defrost cycle worked fine after you installed your Hunter Thermostat(I am not familiar with this stat)-and that this thermostat is not relevant to your defrost problem. Correct?


Good LucK!

 

Thank you for your responses and assistance. It turned out to be the clock that goes into defrost mode when needed. It was deader than a doornail. It has been replaced and is working. Won't know if it will actually do it's job, defrost the unit when it frosts/freezes over until the weather gets colder. Fortunately, I have a great a/c guy who would come back over ASAP to correct the problem.

Question: What do you mean check the Hunter thermostat with a thermometer?