AC crankcase heater failure: Is this common?

[Tarheelgarage]

Yesterday, I had a guy come out and check my Trane heatpump for nonoperation. The main power feed to the compressor had tripped and would not reset due to deadshort.
After doing some checking, it was discovered that the crankcase heater had shorted. It actually caused some buring of the compressor wrap/bag.

Had the part replaced today ($30 part) and all is well.

Questions:

Are failures of the heater common?
Also, what affect would it have on the heatpump compressor to operate without the heater? I did operate the HP for one night until he came today with the new part.

thanks

 

[mvp dad]

crankcase heater keeps the compressor from compressing liquid. which is not a good thing

 

[Ron Lombardo]

" crankcase heater keeps the compressor from compressing liquid. which is not a good thing "


SAY WHAT ? LOL

Crankcase heaters are used to prevent migration when the unit is off and condensation of refrigerant in the crankcases of compressors and are designed to keep the crankcase oil at a temperature higher than the coldest part of the system. Crankcase heaters are controlled by a thermostat and are only used when the thermostat calls for the crankcase heater to operate.

I recommend you check the thermostat .. you may have fixed the short ..but did you fix the problem ?

Ron