Help! GE Heat Pump

[mcm303]

Hi all, this is my first post on here. I have joined in order to get some help with troubleshooting/improving the performance of my GE heat pump. It is mounted indoors, in a closet on the second floor of my condo. It has been a source of both frustration and joy. I have two questions for all you experts out there.

1) I turned my thermostat to "heat" mode for the first time in months yesterday, but there is no heat coming out of the vents. I was not aware that there were separate heating and cooling elements per se, but it appears that maybe there is a fuse for each. The reason this is confusing is because the unit seems to still be capable of cooling. What could be causing this?

2) Overall, the unit does not adequately heat my condo and this has been a source of debate between homeowners and the developers. While technically the heat pumps are rated to the space, the thermal mass of the concrete block envelope walls is effecting the inside temp so much that you just have to run the heat pump 24/7 when it's cold, so that the interior blocks have little chance to cool down, therefore retaining heat and radiating it into the space.

I am curious about if there is anything I can do to increase the heating abilities of the unit without replacing it. I noticed that on the front panel, there are different "power supply kits" listed, with a corresponding max heating. Do any of those combos make more heat than another, or is it just for compatibility?

Here is a pic of the unit's label:


I know very little about hvac stuff, and I can't afford to get a pro in here right now. Any help would be more than greatly appreciated.

[beachtech]

you can call on a local contractor to come out and check your heating system out for you. other than that, this is not a DIY site

[mcm303]

Okay, are there any sites that are?

[Airmechanical]

Okay, are there any sites that are?

you so crazy



.

[BamaCool]

Does anybody notice anything strange about this data plate?

[beachtech]

Okay, are there any sites that are?

this is the only HVAC trusted site on the web

[t527ed]

Does anybody notice anything strange about this data plate?

GE made in china???

what is this a thru the wall unit?

[mcm303]

Yes, thru the wall unit.

I am just curious, from a general knowledge standpoint, do heat pumps have separate fuses for heating and cooling?

[BaldLoonie]

That's their VTAC. Like a Magic Pak heatpump.

[t527ed]

don't think a little bitty unit like that would.


tag says it is a corded unit, does it just plug into an outlet?

[I_bend_metal]

Does anybody notice anything strange about this data plate?

"Cord Connected Unit"

LOL

[mcm303]

don't think a little bitty unit like that would.


tag says it is a corded unit, does it just plug into an outlet?

There is a cord that goes to an enclosure with a strange plastic T-handle inside that I think you are supposed to remove and reverse to shut off power to the unit. It says on there "no fuses inside." Where are they?

This is a green-built project which is why you are seeing such a (probably) strange residential setup.

[BaldLoonie]

There are 3 levels of electric heat chosen by which cord is used and based on available power. Ask the installer if he is using the 5kw element? Shouldn't be a fuse or breaker issue if the fan blows. How cold is it outside? If above freezing, the compressor should be running backed up by the electric strips. Sounds like the dealer needs to check it out. As for barely keeping up, that's a sizing issue if the thing is wired properly.

[mcm303]

Some more pics of the unit:

[mcm303]

There are 3 levels of electric heat chosen by which cord is used and based on available power. Ask the installer if he is using the 5kw element? Shouldn't be a fuse or breaker issue if the fan blows. How cold is it outside? If above freezing, the compressor should be running backed up by the electric strips. Sounds like the dealer needs to check it out. As for barely keeping up, that's a sizing issue if the thing is wired properly.

I did have the unit removed and replaced due to a clogged drain pan, and I haven't tried to run the unit's heat since, so I am wondering if maybe something like the element was damaged.

It is not cold outside (high 50s) and the unit is blowing cold air. I know that it is a sizing issue mainly, but I was just wondering if there were actually 3 levels of heat output. You are saying that this is limited by the available power though. I wonder if it is working to it's maximum abilities? What is the 5km element exactly? Are there supposed to be electric strips, like on a forced radiant heater? Do they usually come with the unit, or is this something that is put in additionally. Thanks for the help.

[mcm303]

Ok, now the unit won't turn on in heat mode, but will turn on in cool mode. Actually it turned on for a half a second and then, I guess, once the compressor kicked on, the fan turned off.

[jrbenny]

Sorry, dude. Site rules don't allow us to help homers troubleshoot. You'll need to call for help.

Thread closed.