Amp readings on DuoTherm heat pump 15000 btu

Golden_HVAC wrote:

A amp draw less than 10 amps might indicate a low freon charge.

Maybe, maybe not.

The internal connection between the compressor motor and the vanes can fail giving you a very low amperage draw because there is literally no load on the motor. Low or no charge can also cause that and it can be checked with a clamp-on meter. There is a spec plate that tells what the running LRA, amount of charge, etc. You'll have to remove the lower cover to see it.
The compressor amperage listed is based on a correct charge and an ambient temperature(outside) of 95 degrees. For every 10 degrees above 95 degrees, add 1 amp to the reading. For every 10 degrees below 95, subtract 1 amp. You may have to interpolate for something in between, but it's not rocket science. For example, if the sticker says the compressor draws 9A, then the clamp-on should read 9A if the ambient is 95 degrees, 9.5A if it's 100 degrees. and 8.5A if it;s 90 degrees. it's a simple accurate check to tell if the unit is properly charged without tapping into it to connect gauges. Once you do that, you gave a hole to repair and you have to recharge whether you needed to or not. The difference in amp draw between a unit with a low charge will be significantly different than one that has lost it's charge. These units only use a pound of freon, so a leak will probably lose all of it.

NO Dometic Roof AC 13.5 to 15k compressor will pull LESS than 12.5 amps at 95 degrees plus which is the temps you are having. Your compressor is either bad or you have low freon. Doug

You have a very high torque motor in this compressor. So the run capcitor is supposed to stay in the circuit all the time the compressor is running. It is normally oval, and silver, indicating it is a run capacitor, normally with a MFD rating between 20 and 45.

If it had been a start capacitor, it would have a value such as 145-165 mfd and be round, black, and have a circuit that automatically takes the start capacitor out of the circuit within 6 seconds, and it should not draw any amperage once the motor has started.

A amp draw less than 10 amps might indicate a low freon charge. What is the indoor fan amperage? Total amperage is normally 12 - 15 amps.

To check and see if you have a low freon level, also check the temperature "Split". If the temperature in is say 70F and the output is around 50, then the freon level is correct, even if the amperage is a bit low. If the temperature split is only 12F (70 to 58F output) and amperage is low, then you have to find a freon leak, and have it fixed. At the same time, have a fitting welded into the freon tubing to access the freon line to add more freon.

Fred.

Maybe the coil is freezing up. Try running the fan on HI.