On Sat, 15 Jan 2011 08:30:34 -0500, "Dimitrios Paskoudniakis"
wrote:

Yes. Everything is normal, that is the defrost cycle.

Yes, it went back to normal a few minutes after I wrote the message.

In your case, if the compressor is running continuously and occasionally
auxiliary heat comes on (but not frequently), you're fine.

The emergency heat was on from time to time.

and heat is pulled from the home to heat the outdoor unit. You will see
steam come out.

Yes I did.

After 5-10 minutes the defrost cycle ends and the
compressor turns back on.

Seemed like it was probably more like 15 minutes, but I didn't time
it.

Now, that your unit runs for extended periods might mean your unit is
undersized for your home for the temperature you have the thermostat set to.
What temperature is your thermostat set to ?

It was set to 73.

Also do you have a digital programmable thermostat ? If not, DO NOT
manually adjust your set temperature up and down, as by raising the set
temperature you will kick on auxiliary heat. Set it and forget it.

I have it set to automatically warm it by 1 degree at 6AM and 1 more
at 7AM, or something like that. If I warm by 1 degree at the time the
emergency heat doesn't come on. By 2 degrees, it does.

How well is your attic insulated ?

Relatively well, I believe. But it is rolls of fiberglass. The newer
stuff would be better.

Thank you for all of the information.
--
Replace you know what by j to email