AIR CONDITIONERS, HEAT PUMPS,
AND GAS/ELECTRIC UNITS
USERS MANUAL
Here are some basic operating guidelines for all gas/electric air conditioners and heat pumps regardless of manufacturer or model number. Because most units have an indoor and an outdoor section and can be used for cooling or heating, the guidelines are divided into paragraphs describing what you should expect from your air conditioner or heat pump during normal operation.
If after reading these guidelines you believe your units is not operating normal, please contact your Gleason Heating and Air Conditioning service person.
As an installer of air conditioners and heat pumps, Gleason Heating and Air Conditioning recommends regular preventive maintenance for the maximumlife and performance of your unit.
COOLING MODE - Normal Operation
Indoor Fan Operation:
The indoor fan on start up will start approximately 20 seconds after the compressor and outdoor fan motor has started.
The indoor fan motor will run up to one and one-half minutes after the thermostat has been satisfied. (Compressor is off).
Indoor Fan - ON or AUTO Mode:
The fan can operation in either the ON or AUTO position. It is a personal preference as to which setting best suits your needs.
If you leave the fan in the ON position, you are more likely to have a more even temperature throughout the home. However, during periods of high humidity leaving the fan in the ON position instead of the AUTO position can increase indoor humidity.
Compressor Anti-Short Cycle Timer:
On some heat pumps the compressor has an Anti-Short cycle timer. During initial startup only the compressor is delayed approximately 5 minutes before starting. Running time may very depending on outdoor conditions and your thermostat setting. New high efficiency units are designed to have more continuous running times (Power consumption during operation of high efficiency units is much less then older designed units).
Thermostat Settings:
Thermostat settings may very (several degrees in either direction). Room temperatures may very depending on operation, airflow, and usage.
Outdoor Coil:
On some units, where the outdoor coil airflow is maximized for more efficiency, you may notice an increase in airflow noise.
Scroll Compressor:
When the Scroll compressor starts up or shuts off you may hear a slight rattle. This is the scroll compressor either coming up to speed on start up or relieving its pressure on shut off.
HEATING MODE - Normal Operation
Indoor Operation
Thermostat Settings:
It is recommended that the thermostat be set at a constant temperature (suggested setting are 68 – 72 degrees in winter, 78 to 80 degrees in summer)
SET IT AND FORGET IT!
Night Time Settings:
Do Not Turn The Unit Off At Night!!!
This practice will cause unit to operate with less efficiency and will make the unit run longer to catch up.
Defrost Cycle (Heat Pumps Only):
As a normal function of all heat pumps, the unit will automatically and periodically defrost the outdoor coil. The sound of the unit will change, and cooler air will circulate. On average this cycle should last approximately 3 to 5 minutes. DO NOT TURN THE UNIT OFF DURING DEFROST, because this will only prolong the defrost cycle. (If the unit’s thermostat has been set back or turned off, the unit may not defrost in a normal time period.)
Outdoor Operation (Heat Pumps Only)
Normal Defrost Cycle Operation (Heat Pumps Only):
During the defrost cycle it is normal for defrost moisture to drain from the cabinet of your unit and run onto the roof. You may also see steam coming from the outdoor coil. (This condition is most noticeable during the high humidity and cooler times of the day.) This moisture is pure ice water, much like rainwater, which will not damage the roof. All new high efficiency heat pumps drain moisture in this manner.
Gas/Electric Heat Pump Units:
It is normal during the heating cycle to hear a buzzing noise just before and after a heat cycle. This is the combustion fan running. This fan is inducing air into the burner. This is done as an additional safety feature to insure that all combustion flue gases are exhausted when the gas burners are lit.
IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT
YOUR NEW UNIT
When a new, more efficient unit is installed, most homeowners notice that the new unit operates differently that there older, less efficient unit. We have provided the following important facts to help homeowners understand their new unit and some suggestions that will allow your to get the most benefit from the new unit., Regular preventive maintenance for the maximum
life and performance of your unit.
Unit Operates And Sounds Different:
It is normal for homeowners to compare the operation of their new unit to the old unit. New high-efficiency units are designed to operate DIFFERENTLY and at different temperatures than the older LESS efficient units. Length of run times, and other characteristics may vary.
Higher Air Flow:
New and high-efficiency systems are typically designed to have an increase in airflow. This is the result of direct drive motors or clean evaporative coils. These changes may result in an increase in inside air flow and in sound from the unit.
I Have A Load Controllers:
Load Controllers are designed to interrupt the normal operation of your unit. This may adversely affect both your comfort level and the unit’s ability to maintain the set temperature on the thermostat.
My New Unit Emits An Odor:
You may experience different odors after the initial installation of your new unit. These odors are not harmful and should diminish within a few days.
Thermostat Operation:
Always let the thermostat control the operation of the system. Never try to "second guess" the thermostat, or tamper with it. Just set the thermostat at the desired comfort level AND LEAVE IT ALONE! If it gets too chilly, just turn the thermostat up a degree at a time until the desired level is achieved. Don’t turn the thermostat back and forth.
Suggested Thermostat Settings:
The recommended temperature setting for all gas or electric heat pumps and air conditioners is 78 to 80 degrees in the summer and 68 to 72 in the winter. These suggested temperatures will help take the shock out of your utility bills.
House Cool Down Period:
Air conditioners, heat pumps, and gas/electric units cannot cool off a house in a short time. They will bring the temperature down slowly; therefore, do not turn the unit on and expect immediate action. It may take a day or so to pull down a hot, moist house when the unit is first installed or turned on, especially if the house has experienced 90-98 degree temperatures for days. (This will also be the case during the heating season, only in reverse.)
Clean Air Filter:
Inspect the inside air filter every 30 days of operation. If the filter is obstructed, clean or replace it.
Outside Condenser Coil:
Keep both the evaporator and condenser coil surface clean. Accumulation of dirt will restrict the airflow and deduce the performance of you unit.
Condensation Drain:
Keep condensate drain lines clear and clean.
Protecting The Unit:
Your new gas or electric heat pump or air conditioner unit is mounted outdoors. It is a good practice to treat it just like you would your automobile. An occasional coat of wax will give added protection against the elements.
Unit Shutdown And Restart:
ALWAYS WAIT AT LEAST THREE MINUTES AFTER SHUTTING THE UNIT OFF BEFORE TRYING TO RESTART IT. If the unit is started before the refrigerant pressures have a chance to balance, the compressor motor may trip its overload or in very rare cases blow a fuse. Under normal operation, this will not happen. Do not be alarmed if this happens. Just let the pressures balance out and then start the unit. If you cannot restart the unit after waiting 3 to 5 minutes, call your Gleason Heating and Air Conditioning repair person to check all fuses.
Brownout Control:
Your unit may be equipment with a Brownout control that protects the unit in the event the ac power to the unit is interrupted or the ac power fluctuates. In the event this condition occurs your unit’s compressor may stop operating. The indoor fan may still continue to operate and you will experience warm or cool air (depending on the season) coming from your duct work. This may continue for up to five minutes after normal ac power is returned to the unit.