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Geothermal - Lines Sweating (Heating)

Article ID: 194
Last updated: 10 Mar, 2017

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.

Qty Possible Causes:
1 Insulation Loose
Low Water Flow
Under-Sized Wells
1 Unit Over-Worked
Under-Sized Unit
Cold Water on HWG


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.
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Article ID: 194
Last updated: 10 Mar, 2017
Revision: 11
Views: 166
Comments: 0
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