Community Forums

KMackk · 11-09-2020, 09:05 AM

Hi, All,

Where do I begin to figure out how to get my heat pump going. It was working fine for about 1 week and then just wouldn't start when switched on in the morning. I have had the coach for a few months and this last week was the first time I used the heat pump. I can hear it try to start for maybe one second and then nothing.

The A/C still works.

Thank you,
Kevin

Ray,IN · 11-09-2020, 11:15 AM

I assume this is a basement unit? Without knowing the model number perhaps this service manual trouble-shooting section contains the answer. You said the cooling works, that verifies all the components work except the reversing valve, but I am not an expert.
Duner is the irv2.com resident expert.
There are several threads concerning basement heat pumps here. Use the Google search box at page top to find them.

KMackk · 11-09-2020, 02:36 PM

Thank you.

fottip · 11-10-2020, 07:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ray,IN

You said the cooling works, that verifies all the components work except the reversing valve, but I am not an expert.

Nor am I, but that was my impulse as well. In a heat pump, the same components are used for cooling as for heating. The part that controls which function is in use is the reversing valve, which is where I'd start looking. There's probably stuff on YouTube that could be helpful.

BCam · 11-10-2020, 07:09 AM

I agree with Ray,IN about trouble-shooting. Here's a link to the 6535 model FYI:

http://www.rvcomfort.com/pdf_documen...6323_copy8.pdf

Step-by-step trouble shooting is the way to go vs. the "shotgun" approach. Even if your's isn't the exact model as above (or that posted by Ray,IN, the trouble-shooting steps should apply. Some model differences only apply to vent location.

Ray Lenning · 11-10-2020, 07:22 AM

One quick check to do ,if it is a basement unit . Set the thermostat less than 4 degrees above the inside temperature and see if it will come on. If the set point of the thermostat is more than 4 degrees above the inside temperature the heat pump will not start , it reverts to the gas furnace and if the LP is off the furnace won't start either . You will hear a click or two as it try's to light the burner and then nothing .
Hope this helps .

Ray,IN · 11-10-2020, 10:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ray Lenning

One quick check to do ,if it is a basement unit . Set the thermostat less than 4 degrees above the inside temperature and see if it will come on. If the set point of the thermostat is more than 4 degrees above the inside temperature the heat pump will not start , it reverts to the gas furnace and if the LP is off the furnace won't start either . You will hear a click or two as it try's to light the burner and then nothing .
Hope this helps .

Actually that is not what the owners manual says. Re-read the manual in one of the links. If I am wrong please correct me, as mine does not operate the way you said.

Ray Lenning · 11-11-2020, 06:41 AM

Ray , Thank you for your service . Maybe this will clear it up . I have confirmed the operation on my unit , but never had the furnace and heat pump run at the same time .

https://www.irv2.com/forums/attachme...1&d=1605101949

KMackk · 11-11-2020, 01:57 PM

I was doing the research in the manual and in between this and the rest of my day, I found a worn positive cable on the chassis battery the hard way so have been dealing with this now. Thank you all for the help here, and I will get back to is as soon as the batt issue is resolved or at least made safe for the time being.

FIRE UP · 11-11-2020, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ray Lenning

One quick check to do ,if it is a basement unit . Set the thermostat less than 4 degrees above the inside temperature and see if it will come on. If the set point of the thermostat is more than 4 degrees above the inside temperature the heat pump will not start , it reverts to the gas furnace and if the LP is off the furnace won't start either . You will hear a click or two as it try's to light the burner and then nothing .
Hope this helps .

We have owned and operated our present coach, an '04 Itasca Horizon 36GD with the C-7 CAT 330HP for 9 years now. And, in that total time, through this forum, and reading some literature, I have always been led to believe that, if you ask for at least 4+ degrees above the ambient temp on the thermostat, and want ELECTRIC heat, the unit (either the basement heat pump or, the thermostat) will automatically engage the furnace, at the same time the basement heat pump is running, so that both units will achieve the desired heat level asked for.

From that point on, the heat pump will handle keeping the temp at the desired level.
Scott

ArtJoyce · 11-11-2020, 09:15 PM

My experince with residental heat pumps. The first time you start it up after power is off there is a long delay. Have you waited 5 mintues plus?

So if it was the valve I would expect it to run but you would only have heat or cool no matter which state you selected. But the stat would send the demand based on the mode selected.

What are you hearing when it try to start? Are the fans on? If not can you change the mode to fan will it start the fan?

If fan starts are you hearing the compressor trying to start?

If the reversing valve is not working the fans and compressor will run, but in what ever state the unit is designed for non reverse state. I had a carrier that if reserving valve was not energized it was A/C. A Goodman I had if not energized it was heat.

Ray,IN · 11-11-2020, 10:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ray Lenning

Ray , Thank you for your service . Maybe this will clear it up . I have confirmed the operation on my unit , but never had the furnace and heat pump run at the same time .

https://www.irv2.com/forums/attachme...1&d=1605101949

Nope, mine does not operate that way. The blower fan motor starts and does not stop again unit set temperature is reached. I can set my 'stat 10° higher than the indoor temperature without the LP furnace coming on, UNLESS the outdoor temperature is 34° or less. At around 34°, depending on humidity outdside, the LP furnace will come on if the heat pump cannot maintain or reach set temperature.
Now my heat pump may not be operating as designed, but that's how it rolls.
You are very welcome! I feel very humble while I remember those who gave all and those veterans whose lives have been shattered by armed conflict so we may enjoy our freedoms,

KMackk · 11-12-2020, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArtJoyce

My experince with residental heat pumps. The first time you start it up after power is off there is a long delay. Have you waited 5 mintues plus?

So if it was the valve I would expect it to run but you would only have heat or cool no matter which state you selected. But the stat would send the demand based on the mode selected.

What are you hearing when it try to start? Are the fans on? If not can you change the mode to fan will it start the fan?

If fan starts are you hearing the compressor trying to start?

If the reversing valve is not working the fans and compressor will run, but in what ever state the unit is designed for non reverse state. I had a carrier that if reserving valve was not energized it was A/C. A Goodman I had if not energized it was heat.

Yes, I have waited more than an hour. The sound is just as when it works as the fans are tarting to move when it first starts, but it immediately stops now. Yes the fans are on hi and I can change the mode to fan and the fans come right on.