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High Pressure (Cooling)

Article ID: 301
Last updated: 6 Nov, 2020

York Heat Pump: YHJF

Re: Cooling - High Discharge Pressure / High Head Pressure

As the system runs in the cooling mode, the discharge pressure exceeds the normal operating pressure.

R410A System

  • Normal Head Pressure = 225 - 350 psig
  • High Head Pressure = Above 400 psig

Qty Possible Causes (From Most to Least Likely):
Refrigerant Overcharge
Dirty Outdoor Coil
Bad Condenser Motor
Bad Fan Capacitor
Mis-Sized Fan Blade
Bad I/D Expansion Valve

CHECKOUT:

1. Check Refrigerant Pressures

  • Hook-up refrigerant gauges to the pressure ports on the unit.
    • Blue --> "True Suction" Port or Suction Line
    • Red --> High Pressure (Liquid Line)
  • Place an insulated temperature probe on the liquid line near the outdoor unit.
  • Allow the unit to run for 5-10 minutes.
  • Monitor pressures and temperature as the system operates.
Normal Pressure Range
Refrigerant 55-75 Deg O/D 75-95 Deg O/D
R410A
  • 110 - 130 Suction
  • 225 - 300 Discharge
  • 125 - 150 Suction
  • 250 - 375 Discharge
  • If the High Pressure exceeds Normal Range or kicks-off on Hi Pressure safety in the first 5 minutes = Refrigerant Overcharge or No Condenser Fan Operation

2. Check Sub-Cooling

  • Record "Saturation Temperature" from the discharge pressure gauge.
  • Subtract the Actual liquid line temperature reading.
    • Saturation Temp - Liquid Line Temp = Sub-Cooling
    • Normal Subcooling = 4 - 13 Deg
      • High Sub-Cooling + High Discharge Pressure + High/Normal Suction Pressure = Overcharged
      • High Sub-Cooling + High Discharge Pressure + Low Suction Pressure = Bad Indoor Expansion Valve
      • Low Sub-Cooling + High Discharge Pressure + Hot Liquid Line = Dirty Outdoor Coil or Mis-Sized Fan Blade Clean the coil, allow to dry and re-check.

3. Check Condenser Motor & Capacitor

  • Disconnect power to the outdoor unit by pulling the service disconnect.
  • Test the fan capacitor.
    • Replace the capacitor if less than 20% of rated capacity.
  • Re-apply power and check the fan motor amperage.
  • Observe the motor operation and check for unusual noises (bad bearings) or excessive temperature.
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Article ID: 301
Last updated: 6 Nov, 2020
Revision: 5
Access: Public
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