BAC Forum

General Boards => Technical Support => Topic started by: Darrell Terry on November 02, 2022, 03:31:07 PM

Title: Penguin heat pump amp draw
Post by: Darrell Terry on November 02, 2022, 03:31:07 PM

Recently replaced our original Penguin heat pump. Old HP used to draw about 12.5 amps. The New Penguin draws 15 amp. I was under the impression that new HP's were more efficient and took less power to operate.

Title: Re: Penguin heat pump amp draw
Post by: Fred Brooks on November 02, 2022, 04:03:36 PM

  I think your original air conditioner was 13,500 btu and perhaps your replacement could be a 15,000 btu?

Title: Re: Penguin heat pump amp draw
Post by: Darrell Terry on November 02, 2022, 04:22:36 PM

Fred - you are correct. Just didn't expect amp draw to be so high for the newer HP's.

Title: Re: Penguin heat pump amp draw
Post by: Fred Brooks on November 03, 2022, 01:28:28 AM

   What was the outside temperature when you took the amp reading?

Title: Re: Penguin heat pump amp draw
Post by: Darrell Terry on November 03, 2022, 02:56:25 PM

Fred, 
Outside temp was 38, I turned on the Heat setting.

Title: Re: Penguin heat pump amp draw
Post by: Bill Lampkin on November 03, 2022, 03:33:58 PM

When its that cold, my Penguin tries to start, but shuts down before the compressor starts. Too cold. 45-50 F is about as low as I'll go with the heat pump.

Title: Re: Penguin heat pump amp draw
Post by: Fred Brooks on November 03, 2022, 05:48:28 PM

  I agree with Bill, I think your air conditioner was on the threshold of trying to extrapolate heat from "no heat available".