I have as split-unit heat pump. When I got home the other day, it was 90 degrees! The air coming out of the vents was warm. However, neither the outside fan nor the compressor were running. A technician told me that the controller board was faulty but he would not be able to replace the board until Monday. For the time being, he used a tooth pick to hold the contactor closed. I was wandering if anyone knew how or why this defrost controller board could keep this unit from working?

It's possible that the defrost board is bad, but if he stuck a toothpick into the contactor your going to get pretty cold, it doesn't sound like this technician is very bright, Call for a second opinion right away! There are other ways to bypass the board.

I have as split-unit heat pump. When I got home the other day, it was 90 degrees! The air coming out of the vents was warm. However, neither the outside fan nor the compressor were running. A technician told me that the controller board was faulty but he would not be able to replace the board until Monday. For the time being, he used a tooth pick to hold the contactor closed. I was wandering if anyone knew how or why this defrost controller board could keep this unit from working?Thanks for the quick reply. I got the same impression when the guy was here. I have always used this company with great results before. At the time, I just wanted to cool the house, so I was open to anything within reason. The guy could not even give me any estimate price on any of the possible solutions. Then today, I was supposed to be first on the list, but the earliest he could get MIGHT be 2:00. Anyway, for now, with the toothpick in place, the unit is working fine. Based on other great information that I found on this website, I suspect a faulty contactor or thermostat instead of a defrost control board. By the way, I found the board online for about $160 and on E*** for about $20. I am pretty sure that I am going to cancel the service call and get a second opinion and/or check a few things myself. Thanks again!

I have as split-unit heat pump. When I got home the other day, it was 90 degrees! The air coming out of the vents was warm. However, neither the outside fan nor the compressor were running. A technician told me that the controller board was faulty but he would not be able to replace the board until Monday. For the time being, he used a tooth pick to hold the contactor closed. I was wandering if anyone knew how or why this defrost controller board could keep this unit from working? Quote:
Originally Posted by jajohns
I have as split-unit heat pump. When I got home the other day, it was 90 degrees! The air coming out of the vents was warm. However, neither the outside fan nor the compressor were running. A technician told me that the controller board was faulty but he would not be able to replace the board until Monday. For the time being, he used a tooth pick to hold the contactor closed. I was wandering if anyone knew how or why this defrost controller board could keep this unit from working?

Thanks for the quick reply. I got the same impression when the guy was here. I have always used this company with great results before. At the time, I just wanted to cool the house, so I was open to anything within reason. The guy could not even give me any estimate price on any of the possible solutions. Then today, I was supposed to be first on the list, but the earliest he could get MIGHT be 2:00. Anyway, for now, with the toothpick in place, the unit is working fine. Based on other great information that I found on this website, I suspect a faulty contactor or thermostat instead of a defrost control board. By the way, I found the board online for about $160 and on E*** for about $20. I am pretty sure that I am going to cancel the service call and get a second opinion and/or check a few things myself. Thanks again!