Heat pump condenser/compressor not coming on in heat mode


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Old 02-26-15, 06:39 PM
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Heat pump condenser/compressor not coming on in heat mode

I have a heat pump and the condenser/compressor will not come on in heat mode, only the auxiliary heat strips are activated. The condenser/compressor will come on in A/C mode but not heat mode. I have a new Carrier thermostat from my local utility and the condenser/compressor is receiving the signal in heat mode. Any ideas? Are there known problems with newer thermostats and 30 year old units (Amana)?
 
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Old 02-26-15, 08:26 PM
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Welcome to the forums.

The heat pump and the air conditioning both work the same way. The only difference is when in cool mode a reversing valve is activated.

It sounds like your thermostat wasn't programmed for heat pump operation with back up heat.
 
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Old 02-26-15, 08:39 PM
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Thanks. Pete. The technician checked the settings and also installed a second thermostat and the same thing happened.
 
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Old 02-26-15, 08:58 PM
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The only other problem I can think of is the condensor unit is stuck in defrost mode.
 
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Old 02-26-15, 09:52 PM
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Pete, I just talked to a HVAC friend and he suggested I run the heat on emergency only. When I did the condenser/compressor came on. There is a wiring problem with the thermostat. I will call the technician tomorrow.
 
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Old 02-26-15, 10:35 PM
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It's definitely wired wrong. Putting the thermostat in emergency mode is supposed to lock out the condensor from running.
 
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Old 02-27-15, 11:09 AM
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The techs came back and determined the new thermostat was not compatible with the old heat pump and they put put my old thermostat back on. Thanks for the help.
 
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Old 02-27-15, 03:41 PM
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That makes sense. Thanks for letting us know the outcome.
 
 

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