To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!

Heat Pump Intermittent Run / Start Capacitor?

ctandc72

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 19, 2020
Messages
1,087
Location
VA
4-5 year old Carrier Heat pump. We had both upstairs / downstairs units replaced when we bought the house. House isn't cold (temp in the high 20s). Go outside early this morning, like normal, to jump in the hot tub before getting ready to go to work. I can hear a stereotypical failed start capacitor loud buzzing from one of the units. Walk over (it's right by the hot tub) and fan is not running. Check thermostat and it's NOT calling for heat at the moment. Get in the hot tub, get out and check it again. Check thermostat, heat pump is running seemingly fine.

I plan on pulling the capacitor and testing it later this week just to verify, and also so I can get the specs for both units so I can have a spare on hand - but wondered if this is normal?

I've dealt with failed capacitors - same noise this one is making - but in the past the fan would never cut on so I simply replaced the capacitor.
 
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!

fitter30

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 23, 2019
Messages
2,971
Location
Peace Valley,mo
Load bussing sound could be the contactor they make noise when they pull in and corrosion build up between the laminate plates and the fix is to replace it. Capacitors don't normally buzz never heard one. Fan motors can buzz but it's not normally loud.
 
OP
C

ctandc72

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 19, 2020
Messages
1,087
Location
VA
Load bussing sound could be the contactor they make noise when they pull in and corrosion build up between the laminate plates and the fix is to replace it. Capacitors don't normally buzz never heard one. Fan motors can buzz but it's not normally loud.
Thanks - I'll check it out this week. It's time I pulled the covers and cleaned them out regardless.
 
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!

Milton Shaw

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 11, 2011
Messages
4,837
You may just be in the defrost cycle. There compressor runs but outside fan is off. Wait just a few more minutes before worrying about it. Should see unit blow steam out when the fan comes on is the most normal sign that is what it is.
 

PWC Repair

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 27, 2012
Messages
3,176
Location
Arkansas
You may just be in the defrost cycle. There compressor runs but outside fan is off. Wait just a few more minutes before worrying about it. Should see unit blow steam out when the fan comes on is the most normal sign that is what it is.
I agree. Sounds like defrost.
 
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!
Top Bottom