Geothermal - Lines Sweating (Heating)

ClimateMaster Geo-Thermal: Heating

Re: Water Lines Sweating

The well piping from the geo-thermal unit is cold and sweating.

It is not unusual for the well loop temperature to get cold when running in the heating mode.

• As the geo-thermal unit runs in heating it absorbs heat from the loop water and transfers it into the conditioned space.
• Long run cycles can cause the water to fall below freezing temperatures. Therefore, it is necessary to add an anti-freeze solution to the well water and make sure that the piping is adequately insulated.

CHECKOUT:

1. Check Operating Conditions

• Set the thermostat to call for heat and ensure that the unit is running at full capacity (Y1 & Y2 Energized).
• Unplug the 3-wire heater connector from the control board to  temporarily prevent aux heater operation.
• Allow the unit to operate for at least 5 minutes.
• Check and record the HWG Inlet and Outlet Temperatures (if present).
  • Cold HWG temperatures drastically affect operating conditions and can cause excessive unit operation.
  • Make sure bottom heating element of water heater is operational and thermostat is set for approx. 120 deg.
• Unplug the HWG pump motor power (if the HWG piping is hooked-up and active).
• Check and record the Water Pressure Drop through the geo-thermal unit.
• Check and record the Entering Water Temperature and the Leaving Water Temperature.
• Check and record Refrigerant Pressures.
• Check and record the Air Temperature Rise through the unit.

2. Compare to Unit Performance Chart

• Use Flow Sheet to convert pressure drop to GPM and then GPM per Ton
• Compare actual operating conditions to Unit Performance Chart.

3. Check Auxiliary Heaters

• Plug the 3-wire heater plug back into the control board.
• Ensure that the thermostat is calling for Aux Ht.
  • Check for 24VAC between "W" and "C" on the LTB.
    • No Voltage = No Call form Thermostat
    • Voltage = Heaters should be active.
• Check output from the CXM board to the heater board. (DC Voltage)
  • Check for 18-24VDC on the 3-wire heater plug between Black & Red and Black & White.
    • No voltage = Bad Board
• Check for 230V to the heater breakers and ensure that the breakers are turned on.
• Use an Amp Probe to check heater amperage.
  • No amperage = Bad Heater Board

4. Check Insulation

• Ensure that the loop piping is insulated and that the insulation is properly secured.