Heat Pump Transformer Replacement
Heat Pump Transformer Replacement Video Transcript
Do you need a heat pump transformer replacement? In this video, Casey Services will show you bad transformer symptoms,
[On screen: In this video:]
[On screen: Bad transformer symptoms]
why it may fail,
[On screen: Why it may fail]
the steps in a transformer replacement,
[On screen: Steps in a transformer replacement]
and the cost of parts and labor.
[On screen: Cost of parts & labor]
To watch our full Heat Pump repair series, where we cover each major repair, symptoms, and costs, you can follow the link.
Your heat pump transformer replacement keeps your unit properly powered.
The transformer takes the high voltage from the supply panel and steps it down to the right voltage for the fan motors and compressor.
If you live in Raleigh, Wake Forest, Durham, or the surrounding areas, Casey Services HVAC can replace your heat pump transformer.
Symptoms of a Bad Heat Pump Transformer
Signs of a bad heat pump transformer are:
[On screen: Bad heat pump transformer]
Your heat pump isn’t functioning,
[On screen: Won’t work]
or it’s blowing air that’s the wrong temperature,
[On screen: Wrong air temp.]
there’s a transformer buzzing sound,
[On screen: Buzzing sound]
it’s tripping the circuit breaker,
[On screen: Trips breaker]
or the thermostat or heat pump is flashing an error light or code.
[On screen: Error messages]
Why Did My Heat Pump Transformer Fail?
So why do heat pump transformers fail? A few common causes are:
[On screen: Common causes:]
Wear and tear due to usage and corrosion,
[On screen: Wear & tear]
a bad contactor causing a blown transformer,
[On screen: Bad contactor]
electrical surge,
[On screen: Electrical surge]
even moisture can be an issue.
[On screen: Moisture]
You’ll need a tech to do heat pump transformer troubleshooting.
Cost of Heat Pump Transformer Replacement
A new heat pump transformer cost is usually $20 to $100.
[On screen: Replacement cost]
[On screen: Transformer: $20-$100]
And the heat pump transformer replacement cost is between $75-$150 an hour.
[On screen: Labor: $75-$150/hr]
That may seem like a lot, but it covers skills, insurance, licenses and certifications for a qualified technician.
Learn more by checking out our Heat Pump Repair Cost Series.
Don’t Get Scammed
Some companies try to scam you on a heat pump transformer replacement. When in doubt, ask the tech for the diagnostic report, and take pictures of the damaged transformer and the new one.
To learn more, check out our series on how to avoid heat pump scams.
Replacement Process
Each brand of Heat Pump is different, so the process will vary with different units, but here are the general steps that a reputable technician like ours should take when doing the transformer replacement:
The first step is to turn off the high and low voltage.
[On screen: Replacement process]
[On screen: Turn the power off]
This prevents damage to the system & the technician.
Next, the HVAC tech will need access to your electrical panel inside your unit. They’ll remove the exterior panel to get to the transformer.
[On screen: Remove the panel]
Then they’ll unscrew the transformer from its mount and disconnect the four wires, being careful not to damage them while removing the wires from the old part.
[On screen: Disconnect the transformer]
The tech will then examine the transformer looking for moisture, burns, or other signs of an electrical short or surge.
[On screen: Inspect the transformer]
This helps to confirm that the transformer is the cause of the issues.
When the old transformer is removed then the new transformer will be installed in the same place, and will be reconnected to the four wires.
[On screen: Attach new transformer]
The technician will turn on the power to the system and test the transformer to make sure it is working properly.
[On screen: Test the transformer]
Once tested, the new transformer should now provide the right voltage and current to the compressor fan motors.
If you want to learn how to test a transformer, then check out our series.
With the new transformer up and running, the exterior panel will be reattached & the replacement is complete.
[On screen: Reattach the panel]
Always have a licensed tech work on your heat pump transformer replacement. This keeps you safe, and is usually required for your warranties and home insurance
Save money and stay comfortable – learn more with Casey Services.
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TL;DR
Heat pump transformer replacement is a fairly common job when it comes to heat pumps. One of the reasons is because it’s a key part of your system that gets used every day. The transformer takes the high voltage from the electrical supply and steps it down to the right level for the fan motors and the compressor. It also supplies a secure electrical barrier between the electrical supply and the low-voltage circuits in the heat pump. In this guide, we’ll go over the signs and symptoms of a bad transformer, cost estimates, and the replacement procedure—plus some tips on how to avoid scams.
Symptoms of a Bad Heat Pump Transformer
If you’re wondering if you need heat pump transformer replacement, then you may have already gotten a quote or be experiencing some of the symptoms that we have listed below:
- Your heat pump is not functioning – If your heat pump is not turning on at all or it’s not functioning like it used to, then it could be an issue with the transformer.
- Blowing air that’s the wrong temperature – If your heat pump is blowing hot air when it should be cold or vice-versa, it could be a malfunction in your transformer.
- Transformer buzzing – Sounds coming from some parts are normal. However, if the buzzing sounds are too loud, it may be because of a loose connection, an overloaded circuit, or a failed component in your transformer. You should also look out for excessive vibration. This can also cause connections to loosen or short.
- Tripping the breaker – You may notice that your circuit breaker trips more often when the transformer begins to deteriorate.
- The thermostat or heat pump is flashing an error – Your transformer may be malfunctioning if the heat pump is flashing a light or an error code is displaying on your thermostat. Sometimes this error can be seen on the thermostat, and other times it may be visible as a flashing light on the heat pump.
With that being said, it’s always best to contact a professional HVAC technician to diagnose the problem properly. With that, let’s discuss some of the common causes of transformer failure.
Why Did My Heat Pump Transformer Fail?
As with most heat pump system malfunctions, the culprit is not always obvious. But when it comes to causes, here are some of the most common:
- Usage – Over time, the transformer may wear down due to usage and corrosion. This should not happen often, and if it does, you may have another issue at hand.
- Bad contactor – If the heat pump contactor is bad, it can put stress on the transformer, which will eventually blow the transformer and require replacement.
- Electrical surge – Something like a power outage or lightning strike can cause a momentary surge in electricity and fry the transformer, as well as other heat pump components.
- Moisture – The transformer is an electrical component, and while it tends to be covered, moisture can get into the system, causing a short.
Heat Pump Transformer Replacement Cost
There are a few costs associated with replacing the transformer of your heat pump: replacement parts and labor. Below we have broken down those costs and provided some rough estimates on what you would likely pay in the Raleigh, Durham, & Wake Forest areas.
How Much Does a Heat Pump Transformer Cost?
A new heat pump transformer typically costs $20 to $100. But depending on the type and size of the transformer, it can be more. Below is a graph showing how much the cost has varied over the last few years. To learn more about how heat pump & HVAC prices have varied, check out our blog on the industry wide parts shortage.
Note: To be compliant with most warranties and insurances, most HVAC companies won’t install parts you purchase online due to the risks of them being defective. This isn’t all bad because these companies buy parts that have special warranties that follow both their system manufacturers’ guidelines and your insurance policies, covering more than what the average homeowner can buy.
Labor Cost to Replace a Heat Pump Transformer
The average labor cost is between $75-$150 an hour. While this may seem high, these rates include the cost of the skills, insurance, and certifications of the technician as well. Since replacing your heat pump transformer is hazardous and requires skill, the majority of the costs are labor-related. That’s why it is always best to obtain multiple quotes to compare the costs.
Am I Being Scammed?
Scams are unfortunately very common. Finding the right heat pump service company is not as simple as clicking on the first link in Google. To find someone who is honest and ethical, review some of our tips below:
- “Explain to me” – Ask your technician what their process will be and see if they’re knowledgeable of the heat pump transformer replacement steps—which we’ll discuss next.
- Ask about the breakers and fuses – Did they check the breaker box or fuses? This can be a common cause of a transformer malfunctioning.
- Ask if the electrical is tight – Did they check that the electrical was tight? A loose connection could mean that the transformer has no power and can’t operate.
- Did they test the voltage? – Both incoming and outgoing. The outgoing voltage should be 24 volts and the incoming varies depending on your system.
How to Replace a Heat Pump Transformer
- Turn off the unit – First, turn off the high and low voltage. This prevents damage to the system and the technician from getting injured.
- Remove the exterior panel – Next, your HVAC technician will access your electrical panel inside your unit. They’ll remove the exterior panel to get to the transformer.
- Disconnect the transformer – Then, they will unscrew the transformer from its mount and disconnect the four wires, being careful not to damage them while removing them from the old part.
- Inspect the transformer – The technician will then examine the transformer for moisture, burns, or other signs of an electrical short or surge. This helps confirm that the transformer is the cause of the issues.
- New transformer is attached – Once the old transformer is removed, the new transformer will then be installed in the same place as the old one and will be reconnected to the four wires.
- Testing the new transformer – The technician will turn on the system to test that the transformer is operating properly. Once tested, the new transformer should now provide the correct voltage and current to the fan motors and compressor.
- Reattach exterior panel – With the new transformer up and running, the exterior panel will be reattached and the replacement is complete.
Summary
Like most HVAC jobs, heat pump transformer replacement requires a skilled & licensed technician. After working on thousands of heat pump systems, our techs at Casey Services can get the job done quickly and accurately. If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms above or just looking to get a second quote, give us a call!
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