I checked the plate on the compressor and it indicates a minimum amp draw of 25 and max of 45, the RLA is 19.5. So if I'm correct that I add the amp draw from each 120v leg (16.9 amps) that would put the run load @ 33.8 amps which is definitely too high.
I'll check the run capacitor on the compressor tomorrow when it's not raining; that's a $10 fix.
I did clean the condenser with a garden hose. I was afraid to use a pressure washer since it's a heat pump and looks like it is painted black (I assume to absorb heat in the winter) and I didn't want to blast it off.
You are obviously not a technician. You should not be attempting to take these reading as you do not know what you are looking for.
Call a technician out to perform a service of the unit and identify any problems.
I fully support the military and the War on Terrorism.
If you don't know, then don't do. If you don't know and still do, then be prepared to pay someone else a lot to undo what you did and then do it right.
If you do know, then do. But do it right. Otherwise, you may not be doing it long.
If you have a 230/240 volt compressor you only read the draw on one leg not both. 16 amps is lower than called for and it is likely that you are low on charge (or have a weak compressor)as that will reduce your amp draw and your cooling capacity.If you don't know about a/c service proceedures and need to go further its best you seek professional help as Iraqiveteran has advised. I am an HVAC instructor but i can only take you so far with this. Time to call the doctor!
Your amp fraw is fine for your unit.
Get a tech that knows what he is doing to service it.
If May was a cooler month then June. Then you can't compare the bills and say uts using too much electric.
There are other improvements you can make to lower your cooling bill.
Insulation, weather stripping.
Beenthere , his unit calls for a minimum of 25 amps ,he is only drawing 16 under load.He is not obtaining an acceptable T-D Split on hotter days. His split is only 11 degrees (read his previous posts) A low amp draw indicates that the compressor is either not compressing like it should or that their is not enough refrigerant vapor to compress.Simple physics. He apparently does not own or know how to use a gauge set or we could easily put this to rest.Time for the tech.
A high amp draw at the condensor generally indicates one of a few things , a dirty condensor causing high head pressure , a weak compressor run capacitor , a condensor fan running too slowly (check capacitor first) or bad windings in the compressor.Randy
if you had any brains as an instructor you would not be giving advice to homeowners before warning
them first what to touch and what not to touch, and this is not a DIY site!
Air mechanical If you read his post he says he checked the rating plate on the compressor. He was not including the condensor fan or anything else. You will also see that i advised him to get a tech to fix his unit. If someone owns an amprobe , knows how to check a capacitor and has some idea as how to use it I would assume that they have some electrical knowledge and know something about safety.If you were so concerned about that ,why did you attack me instead of informing him what he should do? Isn't this supposed to be a site where we help people? Not bash them? I have trained thousands of tech's who repair HVAC units every day , how many have you trained?
A, the amp draw he posted is correct for his compressor.
Besides, you said it should be drawing more then the compressors RLA.
Second, read the rules, NO DIY, NO step by step instructions.
Hope your students read their text books better.
Originally Posted by ammonia man
