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My house has an older Carrier heat pump 3 ton system. Recently, it’s had problems with the outside unit running only sporadically during each heating cycle. Sometimes the outside unit doesn’t come on at all during a cycle and the electric heat strips “kick in”. Today we had a technician look at it and tell us that the delay switch is bad. He didn’t know the cost to replace it, he is supposed to call back tomorrow. In the meantime, he bypassed the switch so that the unit will work. I wasn’t home and my wife wasn’t able to ask all of the questions she wanted to ask of the technician.
My question is – what is the purpose of this delay switch and do I need to replace it? I plan to replace the entire system whenever it dies, which I anticipate to be in the next two years.
Thanks.
Replies
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The delay switch is to protect the compressor from being turned on and off quickly. (like flashing a light bulb)
If you can replace the unit as a whole, then now is the time.
You might be able to save some money if you call around the supply houses for a "damaged" unit. I got 50% off because of damaged to the bottom edge.
Check with you local electric supply co. for rebates for low energy use models. ($370 for the outdoor unit in NJ)
*Even general purpose time-delay relays are about $70. They purpose-built ones for an heat pump ought to be cheaper. Labor extra. Your mileage may vary. -David
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My house has an older Carrier heat pump 3 ton system. Recently, it's had problems with the outside unit running only sporadically during each heating cycle. Sometimes the outside unit doesn't come on at all during a cycle and the electric heat strips "kick in". Today we had a technician look at it and tell us that the delay switch is bad. He didn't know the cost to replace it, he is supposed to call back tomorrow. In the meantime, he bypassed the switch so that the unit will work. I wasn't home and my wife wasn't able to ask all of the questions she wanted to ask of the technician.
My question is - what is the purpose of this delay switch and do I need to replace it? I plan to replace the entire system whenever it dies, which I anticipate to be in the next two years.
Thanks.