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2026.05.11 Dalton check compressor:


I had an issue this spring (about after the 8-hr blackout) where the heat pump didn't appear to be producing
any heat. When house temp dropped a degree below set point, the exchanger would try to run but the temp in
the house just continued to drop until it automatically switched over to gas. It would then try to switch to
exchanger when it got within a degree of set point, but again failed to heat and would go back to gas. This
meant the heat ran almost continuously, switching between exchanger and gas, which is why I turned off the heat
pump by placing the thermostat in "emergency heating" mode. It stayed there for several months until spring.

Dalton did their spring visit yesterday and I had them look at the heat pump problem. (this was likely to affect
the AC for the upcoming summer) The tech worked for awhile and found when the exchanger turned on, there was
an unusually intense shaking and vibration, after which the compressor stopped drawing power, possibly due
to an overload tripping. The fuse on the right leg of the240v fuse block was also blown, which had been a
problem last summer, but replacing it didn't help the compressor.

His conclusion was the compressor was bad. He also reminded me the unit was pretty old and it would be very
expensive to replace the compressor, approaching the cost of a new furnace. He was able to lift the model and
serial number off the faded label on the exhaust housing and made some calls, found an acceptable replacement
compressor. Adding cost of compressor, installation, evacuation and cleaning of line set, and recharge of
coolant, roughly $8,000 for repair. (seems high but I have no point of reference) I asked him to schedule
someone to come out and go over options with me, they'll probably send out the gal with the iPad that kept
hounding me to replace my (100% functional) HVAC based solely on its age.

It's possible the power fluctuations when the pole popped and caught fire caused my compressor to fail, but I
suppose it's also possible my compressor shorted out and ended up triggering the pole fire. There's really no
way to know which came first though because the exchanger may have stopped working before the fire and I just
hadn't noticed yet. The two events could be totally unrelated.

I'd like to call around and get at least one more problem evaluation as well as a second estimate on repair cost
before proceeding. Given their good service, I'm likely to go with Dalton if I need a new HVAC, but I'm also
willing to go with a repair from another party if they look reputable and have a significant'y lower price.

I tried getting pictures of the label this morning but it's not legible even after enhancing. I'll give it
another go this evening, and also check my records, I should at least be able to find the model of compressor
and its specs. (the serial number isn't really necessary)

2026.05.12 07.38.43	2026.05.12 07.38.44	2026.05.12 07.38.54	2026.05.12 07.38.55

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