Problem with a Rheem, bet you can't figure it out

[rchristie420]

yeah i just think its been operator error..sounds like the temp might just be dipping a lil lower than the tstat so the heats comin on to satisfy

[mortatort]

...and I'm guessing the stat isn't set up for humidity control??

[truck12]

It's set up as basic as it gets, he didn't even want the clock on the display.

It's not set up for auto changeover.
It's not set up for humidity control.

[mortatort]

... just an outside thought ...

[Push It]

Do you have any data logging equipment? I would set up current sensing relays on the condensing unit and a temp sensor at one of the grills, the t-stat and the return. Than you would know if the thing is even running, calling.

Sounds like this guy might be losing his mind. Why always at 2am-5am? Who knows he could be sleep walking and touching his t-stat.

[kls-ccc]

When does the sprinkler run? If you have sprinkler system that is spraying right onto the coil it could cool it down enough to lower the head down to where there is little presure drop across the expansion device, then after the sprinkler shuts off and it dries out it starts to work agian. I ran into this once with a walking sprinkler.

[truck12]

Do you have any data logging equipment? I would set up current sensing relays on the condensing unit and a temp sensor at one of the grills, the t-stat and the return. Than you would know if the thing is even running, calling.

Sounds like this guy might be losing his mind. Why always at 2am-5am? Who knows he could be sleep walking and touching his t-stat.

The cond unit has current sensing abilities on the comp and fan. I set a code on one by connecting a widowmaker on the line side to power a vacuum. The code read inconsistant line voltage. This guy hasn't had a code recently, the first time I went it did have a code 33, short cycling. It has a time delay built into the t-stat so I can't see him causing that. Unless he was playing with the float switch.

[truck12]

When does the sprinkler run? If you have sprinkler system that is spraying right onto the coil it could cool it down enough to lower th ehead downot where thereis little presure drop across the expansion device, then after the sprinkler shuts off andit fries out it strats to work agian. I ran into this once with a walking sprinkler.

Good point. I'll check to see if he has one.

[millertime77]

Sounds like he needs a new low voltage wire. There is a device in the cond unit that was added. It's a black plastic box and a transformer. Forgot what it's called.
It's used on systems that don't have enough conductors going out and this makes it work. I was told this by one of our guys. I've never used one, I've always found a way to get the right wire run. This thing has 20 wire nuts on the low voltage alone.

So its not a heatpump, but you have 20 wire nuts for low voltage? Thats a new one on me.

[truck12]

So its not a heatpump, but you have 20 wire nuts for low voltage? Thats a new one on me.

Thats new to you?
Ok I'll admit I didn't count them. It's a four wire cond unit, theres a splice in the line chase, thats eight. Following me so far?

Then you've got the four from outside at the a/h and five from the thermostat, and one for the float switch.

That should be 14 at least, in theory, but I didn't count them.

My guess off the top of my head was six off.

What don't you get about that?

Work in this trade a few more years, you're going to find odd stuff thats not correct but works. Someday situations like this will no longer be NEW to you.

[truck12]

Ok I read your 'about me' 1st year hvac apprentice at on-line school called hvac/redu.net
That explains that.

[BURL-REF]

Has an energy saving outdoor tstat thats not wired right. Its connected to the fan, thats why the condensor stays running. LOL

[truck12]

Has an energy saving outdoor tstat thats not wired right. Its connected to the fan, thats why the condensor stays running. LOL

Yea, that and the paint color is wrong, doesn't match the house.