Bad discharge thermostat --> full replacement?

[cbkiteflyer]

The compressor on my Lennox HS22-411V-2P unit stopped functioning. My serviceman first checked the refrigerant pressure and said it was a bit low but acceptable. He went on to diagnose a failed discharge thermostat (it sits at the top of the Copeland Scroll compressor). At first he said that this was not a replaceable part, but I've since learned that it is.

I had to decide whether to risk replacing just the thermostat, or whether there was an underlying cause which made it fail. So I bypassed the thermostat and turned on the system for a few minutes. The compressor was making a strange sound but didn't seem to be cooling very much at all. The discharge pipe, on the other hand, soon became very hot.

Since this didn't inspire too much confidence (the HS22 was was installed in 1990) I decided it was time to replace the entire outside unit.

I have a couple of questions I'm hoping that somebody can answer. My serviceman is recommending an AFAIR 12 replacement unit. I've never heard of AFAIR. Does anybody have any comments on this brand (good or bad)?

There seems to be some reluctance to give me a replacement Lennox unit unless I go with the full system and replace the inside unit as well. I'd rather not strain my budget at this time, and the inside unit has been doing fine with no problems. Ideally I would like an outside Lennox unit which is compatible with my existing coil, but which would remain compatible if I installed a newer coil in the next 3 years or so. I'm inclined to stay with Lennox if I can. Any suggestions on what models I should be looking at?

Two more questions: Is my HS22-411-2P a 3 ton or a 3.5 ton unit? Also, I have this unit on a 50 amp breaker. My serviceman is telling me this is bad and it should be reduced. In my opinion, if a unit needs to be protected from exceeding a certain current draw, it is the responsibility of the manufacturer to build in adequate fusing protection. The breakers in the fuse box are there to protect my house, not the appliance itself. Opinions?

Many thanks for any advice!

[BaldLoonie]

HS22-411 is a 3 ton ish unit. 50 amp breaker is way too big for 3 tons. That discharge stat can be replaced, I've done it, but Copeland is proud of it (meaning $$$$$).

That model # sounds like a Ducane or Aire-flo, low end Lennox owned brand though not a Lennox product. You'd be close to 12 SEER if using a coil meant for the HS22. No way of knowing for sure and in a few years, everything in our industry is changing with higher SEER & new refrigerants. So who knows what coils will be like in 3 years.

[karsthuntr]

Originally posted by cbkiteflyer

Also, I have this unit on a 50 amp breaker. My serviceman is telling me this is bad and it should be reduced. In my opinion, if a unit needs to be protected from exceeding a certain current draw, it is the responsibility of the manufacturer to build in adequate fusing protection. The breakers in the fuse box are there to protect my house, not the appliance itself.




The equipment manufacture does protect it's own equipment, by specifying what size wire and what amp breaker. <----Fact

[hvac-tech-lane]

Originally posted by cbkiteflyer


Two more questions: Is my HS22-411-2P a 3 ton or a 3.5 ton unit? Also, I have this unit on a 50 amp breaker. My serviceman is telling me this is bad and it should be reduced. In my opinion, if a unit needs to be protected from exceeding a certain current draw, it is the responsibility of the manufacturer to build in adequate fusing protection. The breakers in the fuse box are there to protect my house, not the appliance itself. Opinions?

Many thanks for any advice!



The breaker is sized to protect the wire in the house from overheating, the label on the unit specifies the min and max circuit ampacity to rectify your situation it would probably be easiest to install a fused disconnect with the proper fuses. Fuses are considered superior to breakers by some

[bornriding]

Breakers in distribution panels are sized according to the wiring, not the equipment, though they can be sized ( wire & breaker ) for the equipment. As hvac-tech said, a disconnect with breaker or fuse protection at the correct value should be close to the unit. You can either install a smaller breaker in your panlebox ( wires will be larger than needed so no problem ), or a disconnect at the equipment with properly sized protection

[stef]

Dear cbkiteflyer,

Keep your old unit, replace the discharge temp sensor. If I am not correct, HS22 is the 12 SSER system.

Don't let the unknowledgeable tech, who came to your house, scare you.

If the systems is low of freon, then it is low of freon. There is NO SUCH thing at low but acceptable.

The maximum fuse/breaker is 40 amps and min is 24 amps. Replace it with a 35 amp.

Have fun