Heat pump outdoor temperature sensor dummie question

[dcg9381]

Lost AC in the lower portion of the house, turned out the Generac load shed device failed. So I fixed that today. While snooping around, I see what I assume is temperature sensor on outdoor unit just dangling there. Is this where it should be?

 

[larry4406]

I’ve seen them there.

They connect to a pair of wires in the low voltage cable, hence located near where the splice occurs. Also that location is out of the fan air stream.

 

[BrandonV]

I either have seen the temperature sensors there or inside where the electronics are. Obviously out in the air like that will give you a better idea of the outdoor temperature.

 

[dcg9381]

thanks.

 

[pcmeiners]

Sure looks like an epoxy encase thermistor (older type). Unlikely it was originally mounted dangling like that. As long as no one screws around with it, it is OK, you could pull the slack, bring it up to the wire ferrule then plastic tie it. Home ownership, what fun.

 

[fitter30]

Outdoor sensor for thermostat or if its a heat pump for defrost cycle usually mounted on face of condenser coil behind louvered panel.

 

[karoc]

Since the metal seems to absorb heat/ cold maybe it’s good thing that kinda hangs out.
I have no experience with heat pumps but I’m going to seen that’s what going be installed in my 1000sq ft retirement home

 

[PWC Repair]

Many units have 2 sensors connected to the defrost board. One clips on the refrigerant lines near the top of the coils. The other is an ambient air temp sensor and usually just hangs under the electrical component box just like your pic.