Please help - defects in Trane heatpump shorten compressor life?

[Ziocarl]

I've had a Trane 2 ton XL16i (with air handler model # is 4TEE3F31B1000AA & T-stat model # TCONT8-3A532DAA) for a little over a year now.

I complained several times to my installer about its poor performance and odd defrosting behavior. Pretty early on they hard-wired my system to permanent 2nd stage in order to improve performance and to avoid "damage" that might be caused by the (at the time) unresolved switchover valve service alert with this model. Apparently the unit would not come completely back from a defrost cycle, and forcing 2nd stage would prevent damage from this problem.

The installer set the unit up to run at 350 cfms in Comfort R mode and told me that my pressure reading of 79/310 (vs. the manuals 79/225) at 33.5 F was normal.

I had also noticed and reported that the unit was frosting up in a pattern of about 8 coils completely frosted, and then 8 coils frost free down the entire length of the unit. My installer said this was normal. When I finally talked to my regions Trane technical representative, he said that it might be due to a problem with the coolant distributor and that my unit may not have received proper flow testing at the factory. So basically, maybe I'm only using one coil, thus resulting in higher pressures and lower performance despite being locked in at 2nd stage.

I'm going to switch my Trane 10 year warranty to another installer and have him do a complete inspection of the system. So, question is, have all of these factors conspired to shorten the life of the compressor. Since it was all either installer related error or factory defects, I'm seriously thinking of asking Trane to increase my warranty for free or replace the outdoor unit or compressor all together. I have two heat pumps and I can't afford to be replacing these things early. Am I over-reacting here?

[lbf]

I don't think you're over reacting to want to get your system working like it should be. You paid a lot of money to get a nice system and it's not working like it should, period.
That said, be aware that the warranty may not pay the other company to come in and figure out all that is wrong with your system, so keep in mind that you MAY have to pay for some of their time.
I doubt that the compressor is damaged but have them check it out.
My dealings with Trane as far as getting them to stand behind their product have been good and I hope the new guys can figure out the root cause of your problems.

[Ziocarl]

How will they be able to tell if the compressor has extra wear on it? The system, as well as my 2nd system have had to run a lot more in order to make up for the defects.

[lbf]

How will they be able to tell if the compressor has extra wear on it? The system, as well as my 2nd system have had to run a lot more in order to make up for the defects.

Long run times by themself do not equal extra wear, compressors are designed for long run times and we have several heat pumps that are nearly 30 years old still in operation.
You do need to have someone determine if your system is installed/operating correctly. The frost bands you decribe may be due to unequal loading of the coil, so it's important to have the tech check this out.

[nate72177]

there is a new defrost board that corrected the problem with the rev. valve and I would also like to know what return size the duct is and what airhandler model it is. typically it should have been set for 400 cfm. the uneven banding on the outdoor unit is a problem have a tech. look at temps. entering and leaving each loop on the cond. coil.

[nate72177]

sorry you did post the model number on the ahu.

[Ziocarl]

there is a new defrost board that corrected the problem with the rev. valve and I would also like to know what return size the duct is and what airhandler model it is. typically it should have been set for 400 cfm. the uneven banding on the outdoor unit is a problem have a tech. look at temps. entering and leaving each loop on the cond. coil.


I know about the defrost fix. Regarding the returns, I can tell you that we have two returns that take 14x14 filters. There are 10 supply vents. Wouldn't the abnormally high pressures and unequal loading on the coil lead to extra compressor wear? Isn't that like trying to suck a thick milkshake through a single straw instead of two? I've also noticed in the winter, when the heat clicks off, I hear a rattle up in the attic as if the coolant pipes are relieved of great strain and are banging around for a second or so.

[Ziocarl]

any thoughts?

[tranetminphilly]

Ziocarl, where abouts in the country are you?

[motoguy128]

The lineset is rattling? Yikes!

Two 14"x14" filters should be adequate for 800CFM. 10 supply vents is more than enough. 8-9 would be adequate, 10 is better. Unless the main trunk or coil is undersized, you should have good static pressures. Looking at the fan coil model number I think that's a 2.5 Ton fan or 2.5 Ton coil or both.

I'm curious what the outcome is. I jsut ordered a XL16i for my home to be installed next week. I would never have accepted having the unit operating only in 2nd stage. I'm say "ok, but refund me the price difference between the 16i and 15i becase a 16i with one stage isn't any better than a 15i.

If you bought a new Honda Accord V6 or Honda Odyssey and found out that the cylinder deactiviation isn't working right so they are just going to bypass it and have it operate only with 6 cylinders. Ummm... no, you paid for that feature.

[Danimal535]

did you buy the 10 year pars and labor warranty if not you can still buy it good investment on you verry expensive equipment. you need to charge them by subcooling there is a chart on the papers inside the condenser. if that was not done that can be your problem. I am a Trane dealer never had that problem.

[brybo nc]

Sounds like the air handler is not speeding up to second stage.
B

[Ziocarl]

I'm in MD.

I have the 10 year warranty, but I want this thing to last more than 10 years. I have 2 systems and I can't afford to replace one of them every 5 years!

What makes you think that the air handler is not getting to second stage.

I hear 4 distinct stages, although the third stage isn't reached until a good 8 to 10 minutes after the compressor comes on. You would think it would go right to second stage since the compressor is wired to start in second stage.

Does the rattling denote high pressures or a line that is not fasted securely to the studs in my attic?

How much savings do you think a 2 stage compressor gives you over a 1 stage compressor? Seems like it just ran a lot longer when it was in 2 stage mode. Didn't get warm air out of vents until it reached 2nd stage most of the time.