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Rheem · Heat pump troubleshooting

Insufficient cooling / pressure problems

What is going on

Unit runs but capacity is low; use pressures to narrow down.

Likely causes

  • High head: dirty outdoor coil, outdoor fan out, overcharge, recirculation, non-condensables
  • Low head: low charge, low ambient, bad compressor, closed check valve
  • Low suction: dirty filter/coil, low indoor airflow, low charge, restricted metering device or drier
  • Improper airflow (should be about 400 CFM per ton)

Check in this order

  1. Verify indoor airflow (340-450 CFM per ton).
  2. Clean filter and coils.
  3. Check charge using the unit charging chart after 15-30 minutes of stable operation; subcooling normal 9-12°F.
  4. Compare discharge/suction/superheat/subcooling/amps against the system problem indicator table (Table 9).
  5. If air or moisture in system recover, evacuate to 500 microns, add filter drier and recharge.

Applies to: (-)PRL-JEC 2-stage 16 SEER heat pumps: RPRL/UPRL-024JEC, -036JEC, -048JEC, -060JEC

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Source: Rheem (-)PRL-JEC Heat Pump Installation Instructions, 18.4 Cooling Mechanical Checks / 18.6 / 18.8, p.45, 47, 53. Written in our own words; check the manual for your exact model.

For licensed technicians. Gas, electrical and refrigerant work must be done by a qualified, licensed person. Shut off power and gas before servicing, never bypass a safety control, and follow the manufacturer’s manual for the exact model; it and local codes always take priority. HVACopedia is not affiliated with any manufacturer; brand and model names only identify the equipment.