Trane split system heat pump 4TWX6060A1000A

[ydoeseverythinghappenatonce]

After a recent rain and wind storm we stopped getting heat.  The air handler in the attic cycles on and off every couple of seconds when the thermostat is set to fan on.  When the thermostat calls for heat, the fan on the outside unit turns on, the compressor doesn't and then the fan shuts down.  I removed the panels and looked at the capacitor and it looks pristine.  The unit was installed 5/06 and had a "tune-up" within the last six months.  Where do you suggest I start looking?

[ACtechGUY]

Sounds kinda like a power issue. I would check for 240 volts at the air handler and condenser . If power supply is 3 phase then maybe you are missing one phase of power.

[ydoeseverythinghappenatonce]

Here's what happened when the HVAC technician visited... First I was scolded for not cleaning the internal filtration system more frequently then he went outside and hosed them off.  Next he discovered that the covering for the evaporation pan float switch had "fallen off" and therefore:  the filters were clogged causing the handler to suck air really hard, the cover was missing off of the float so the float was being sucked up and causing the safety switch to trip.  It was having the same effect as the drip pan being full to overflowing.   He thought the switch was a little touchy so he replaced it.  Next I was chastised for not having cleaned the filtration system AND not having biannual inspections.  He presented me with their "monthly payment plan for inspections" and told me how, because it was under extended warranty, he wasn't going to charge for any of what he did even though it wasn't covered under the warranty.  Of course, whomever came out before hadn't hooked it up correctly because that part never should have "fallen off."  He was a nice guy and I learned my lesson: Arizona has lots of dust, clean your filters.  Thanks for your website.  I learned a lot about HVAC.  Hopefully, I won't need to use it in the near future!

[ACtechGUY]

I know you paid a lot of money for that washable filter......But Get rid of it. They tend to restrict the airflow WAY to much even when they are clean. Switch to quality pleated filters (replaced every 3 to 4 months).

Just 2 cents for you.

[stabbybear]

I lived in FL and had my customers change the pleated white filters every month when paying a monthly bill. The amount of dust would choke it up.