BillyJo
19-01-2012, 03:49 AM
Hey Y'all! So I got me a 14,000 BTU DeLonghi Portable Air Conditioner with a Heat Pump function. Don't know of any of you are familur with this model, but I have some questions I couldn't find any answers to anywhere else, and I figured this is a good place for this type of thing by the looks of it. So if any of Y'all could help me out, I'd sure appreciate it!
This unit is a packaged unit that you put inside, it has 2 pipes vented outside, one for outside air intake and one for exhaust. Very great unit, is a 4-in-1, does AC/Heat at 14K BTU, and has a dehumidifier and fan functions. Runs on a standard 115 volt Circuit, and only draws 10 Amps. Pretty efficient, probably around 12-13 SEER not bad for a indoor unit. But works excellent. I've only had it for a few months, or maybe longer don't remember. Picked it up used at a flea market for $90! Great condition, just no remote or owner's manual, and can NOT find one.
So, my main question regards refrigerant migration on these things. I am pretty sure this unit does NOT have a crankcase heater. I lives out here in Northern Californee, it usually don't get to cold, maybe lowest in the 20s, usually mid 30s to high 40s over the winter as overnight lows. BUT, I'm very concerned about refrigerant migration.
It is newer on account it runs R410A. It runs a Rotary Compressor, not sure of the brand. I do see a wire going into the bottom of the compressor, but I'm pretty sure its a ground, and it goes to the base not like into the side of the compressor.
The WIERD thing though. It has this thing wraped all around the compressor! I looked into it with a flashlight thru the intake hole, and thought it was funny. And wandered about a CCH. Did some research and was relieved to here Rotarys and Scrolls can take it for a while, vs recips self destructing almost imediatly. But then found that over time the liquid refrigereant does wash out the bearings and can slowly destroy these too! So got me all worried again! So just the other day, I decided to have a look inside, always wandering how they worked anyways. I popped the front cover off, and can see everything. Pretty clean inside except for the coils will need a little blow of air but no big deal. But the compressor has this funny thing wrapped all around it. It is black, and has a velco strap. It is WIERD. Ain't never seed anything like it! It looks like one of them foam cup holder sort of things! I have pictures I will be posting on here in a little while. I would only imagine it could not be good, right? Couldn't that there lead to the compressor overheating in AC mode in the summer? Maybe in the winter its aftermarket to retain compressor heat? I don't know. Any ideas about this one?
Also, is a crankcase heater required for heat mode? Should I buy me one of them strap on CCHs? Or is it ok? I can't imagine why they would build one with a heat mode that can't actually do heat without self destructing. I here its more of an issue with larger split systems though, is this so or should I be concerned? I mean do all them window air conditioners with a heat mode have a CCH? Seriously don't have an idea. I have found models similar with Dual Hose+Heat Mode, none seem to warn much about low ambient, well in the room its not that cold just outside at least. room usually not below 60-67 Degrees.
I'm just a little worried about it. I could not afford another one if the compressor was to burn out due to that migration. I really appreciate any ideas, just would make me rest easier, I avoid using it cause of this and don't even feel comfortable leaving it running overnight with the low outdoor temps, if Y'all could help me out I'd preciate it!
This unit is a packaged unit that you put inside, it has 2 pipes vented outside, one for outside air intake and one for exhaust. Very great unit, is a 4-in-1, does AC/Heat at 14K BTU, and has a dehumidifier and fan functions. Runs on a standard 115 volt Circuit, and only draws 10 Amps. Pretty efficient, probably around 12-13 SEER not bad for a indoor unit. But works excellent. I've only had it for a few months, or maybe longer don't remember. Picked it up used at a flea market for $90! Great condition, just no remote or owner's manual, and can NOT find one.
So, my main question regards refrigerant migration on these things. I am pretty sure this unit does NOT have a crankcase heater. I lives out here in Northern Californee, it usually don't get to cold, maybe lowest in the 20s, usually mid 30s to high 40s over the winter as overnight lows. BUT, I'm very concerned about refrigerant migration.
It is newer on account it runs R410A. It runs a Rotary Compressor, not sure of the brand. I do see a wire going into the bottom of the compressor, but I'm pretty sure its a ground, and it goes to the base not like into the side of the compressor.
The WIERD thing though. It has this thing wraped all around the compressor! I looked into it with a flashlight thru the intake hole, and thought it was funny. And wandered about a CCH. Did some research and was relieved to here Rotarys and Scrolls can take it for a while, vs recips self destructing almost imediatly. But then found that over time the liquid refrigereant does wash out the bearings and can slowly destroy these too! So got me all worried again! So just the other day, I decided to have a look inside, always wandering how they worked anyways. I popped the front cover off, and can see everything. Pretty clean inside except for the coils will need a little blow of air but no big deal. But the compressor has this funny thing wrapped all around it. It is black, and has a velco strap. It is WIERD. Ain't never seed anything like it! It looks like one of them foam cup holder sort of things! I have pictures I will be posting on here in a little while. I would only imagine it could not be good, right? Couldn't that there lead to the compressor overheating in AC mode in the summer? Maybe in the winter its aftermarket to retain compressor heat? I don't know. Any ideas about this one?
Also, is a crankcase heater required for heat mode? Should I buy me one of them strap on CCHs? Or is it ok? I can't imagine why they would build one with a heat mode that can't actually do heat without self destructing. I here its more of an issue with larger split systems though, is this so or should I be concerned? I mean do all them window air conditioners with a heat mode have a CCH? Seriously don't have an idea. I have found models similar with Dual Hose+Heat Mode, none seem to warn much about low ambient, well in the room its not that cold just outside at least. room usually not below 60-67 Degrees.
I'm just a little worried about it. I could not afford another one if the compressor was to burn out due to that migration. I really appreciate any ideas, just would make me rest easier, I avoid using it cause of this and don't even feel comfortable leaving it running overnight with the low outdoor temps, if Y'all could help me out I'd preciate it!