Heat Pump Question

WRWGN · 10-15-2018, 11:56 AM

I have no experience using a heat pump. Today is first day running it for any length of time. It runs for a while and shuts off. While off I hear a humming noise then it starts up again. Is this normal?

sunbirds · 10-15-2018, 03:31 PM

that is normal they work good till around 40 deg. then ya really should not run them not very efficient at colder temps and the colder it is the more it cycles (humming)

**wingnut60** · 10-15-2018, 09:45 PM

We have our first DRV with a heat pump--it doesn't do much a job coming out of the ceiling vents when hot air rises. We pretty much ignore it and use the fireplace and a space heater during the day, and space heater only during the night.
Have not noticed it cycling, just not doing much heating.

WRWGN · 10-16-2018, 01:09 PM

Thanks. I've heard they are much good below a certain temperature. It was 40 degrees, rainy and windy. I gave up and used the furnace and fireplace.

sunbirds · 10-16-2018, 08:34 PM

yup like wingnut said that has been my experience also 50 deg to take a chill off good but furnace does a better job and heats the hole coach . run the ceiling fan with the fireplace also good

Dapperdan · 10-16-2018, 09:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wingnut60

We have our first DRV with a heat pump--it doesn't do much a job coming out of the ceiling vents when hot air rises. We pretty much ignore it and use the fireplace and a space heater during the day, and space heater only during the night.
Have not noticed it cycling, just not doing much heating.

We have the same unit as yours Joe, ours does pretty good at heating but to a degree. Once the temps drop below 40° they're not very effective. When ours starts the "humming" that's my signal to switch heat sources.

While in the U. P. of Michigan a couple of weeks ago we mainly ran the heat pumps, usually during the day when the temperatures were in the low to mid fifties. At night we would shut the het pumps down and turn on the fireplace. We had a couple of nights in the low thirties, definately NOT heat pump weather!

I like having/using the heat pumps, I guess YMMV.

Dan

Cummins12V98 · 10-19-2018, 08:22 AM

For those looking at buying or ordering a new DRV. I HIGHLY suggest saving the $$$ for a heat pump and add "Cheap Heat" instead. 3.5 years of full time use and it's GREAT!!!

porthole · 10-20-2018, 07:57 PM

I had heat strips in the last RV.
Worked well enough for what they are, and will not stop working when it gets good.

Cheap Heat now.
Has worked real well the past 4 weeks as needed.

Bogie57 · 10-23-2018, 09:47 AM

So some DRV's have a furnace and a heat pump? How do you know if you have both? This seems very curious to me!

Cummins12V98 · 10-23-2018, 10:13 AM

Heat pump is part of the AC unit if you have that option.

porkchop · 10-23-2018, 11:16 AM

The option, if available, will present it's self on the thermostat. Not sure that they still do, but for awhile you had the option of standard a/c, electric heat strips or heat pump.
If any of these are available it will show up on your t-stat. If nothing shows except a/c or furnace that's all you have. In my opinion heat pump and electric strips are a waste of money. Noisier than a small electric heater or fire place, and they blow the hot air from the ceiling. Hot air rises.

Bill

mdedgett · 10-23-2018, 01:33 PM

Yes this is normal. When the air is not heated enough the fan automatically shuts off and the compressor keeps running until the coils are heated enough, then the fan restarts. This happens more frequently the colder it is outdoors.

**wingnut60** · 10-23-2018, 09:41 PM

Go thru the options on the 'MODE' options when on Zone 1, the main AC in the living area. If it is a heat pump type AC, then eventually the reading will show HP. Usually won't have this on the Zone 2 bedroom.