Econar GeoSource Vara GV Series User manual

Installation
and
Operating Instructions
Vertical and Horizontal Forced Air
GV/GH 36 Thru 67 Series
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Air Filter
Air Coil
Transformer
Controller
Reversing
Valve
Desuperheater
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Controller
Reversing
Valve
Transformer
Scroll
Compressor
GeoSource Vara Vertical Unit
GeoSource Vara Horizontal Unit
Variable
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Blower
Contactor
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Air Coil
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Title Pase
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v.
XL
xII.
xtrL
xrv.
xv.
Introduction to ECONAR Heat Pumps
Unit Location/Mounting
Duct SystemlBlower
Condensate Drain.
Earth Loop Water Piping
A. Closed Loop Applications
B. Open Loop Applications
1) Open Loop Freeze Protection Switch
2) Water Coil Mafurtenance
VI. Unit Sizing
A. Earth Loop Configuration and Design Water Temperatures
1) Closed Loop Systems
2) Open Loop Systems
B. Building Heat Loss/Heat Gain
VII. Electrical Service. .
vIIL 24 Yolt Control Circuit .
A. Transformer
B. Thermostat
l) Wiring
2) Lights
C. Conffoller
1) Blower Operation and Speed Control
2) Earth Loop Pump Initiation
3) CompressorOperation
4) 4-Way Valve Control
5) Compressor Lockouts
6) Compressor Anti-Short-Cycle
7) System Diagnostics
8) Overflow Detection
Startup
Service
A. Filter
B. Lockout Lights
C. Pressasonlnspection
Thermostat Operation
)
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4
4
8
x.
x.
8
8
10
1,1
Troubleshooting Guide for Lockout Conditions .
Troubleshooting Guide for Unit Operation
Additional Figures . .
t2
13
1.3
t5
18
1
Desuperheater (Optional). ... ...

I. INTRODUCTION TO
ECONAR HEAT PUMPS
ECONAR Energy Systems, Corp. has been producing
geothermal heat pumps in Minnesota for over fifteen
years. The cold winter climate has driven the design of
ECONAR Energy System's heating and cooling
equipment to what is known as a "Cold Climate"
geothermal heat pump. This cold climate technology
focuses on maximizing the energy savings available in
heating dominated regions without sacrificing comfort.
Extremely efficient coolilg, dehumidification and
optional domestic hot water heating are also provided in
one neatly packaged system.
Geothermal heat pumps get their name from the transfer
of heat to and from the earth. The earth coupled heat
exchanger (geothermal loop) supplies the source energy
for heating and absorbs the discharged energy from
cooling. The system uses a compression cycle, much like
your refrigerator, to collect the earth's energy supplied by
the sun and uses it to hoat your home. Since the process
only moves heat and does not create it, the efficiencies are
three to four times higher than the most efficient fossil
fuel systems.
This guide discusses the GeoSource Vara series heat
pumps that are equipped with a variable speed
Electronically Commutated Blower Motor (ECM) to
provide three speeds of air ouput, depending on the
operating mode of the heat pump.
Safety and comfort are both inherent to, and designed into
ECONAR Energy System's geothermal heat pumps.
Since the system runs completely on electrical energy,
your entire home can have the safety of beiag gas free.
The best engineering and quality control is built into
every ECONAR heat pump built. Proper application and
correct installation will assure excellent performance and
customer satisfaction.
ECONAR's commitment to quality is written on the side
of every heat pump we build. Throughout the building
process the technicians that build each unit sign their
names to the quality assurance label after completing their
inspections. As a final quality test, every unit goes
through a full run test where the performance and
operation is verified in the heating, cooling, and hot
water modes. No other manufacturer goes as far as to run
a full performance check to assure system quality.
** IMPORTANT**
Service ofrefrigerant based equipment can be hazardous
due to systempressure and230 volt electrical energy.
Only trained or qualified service personnel can install,
repair or service refrigerant equipment.
I Warning: Tum offthe main switches before
performing service or maintenance to this unit. Electrical
shock can cause personal injury. The installer is
responsible to see that all local electrical, plumbing,
heating and air conditioning codes are followed.
II. UNIT LOCATION/
MOUNTING
Locate the unit in an indoor area where the ambient
temperature will remain above 45T. Servicing of the
heat pump is done primarily from the front. Rear access
is desirable and should be provided when possible. A
field installed draia pan is required under the entire unit
where accidental water discharge could damage
surrounding floors, walls or ceilings.
VCAUTION - Do not tip units on their side during
fransportation or installation, or severe intemal damage
may occur.
Units must be mounted on a vibration-absorbing pad
slightly larger than the base to provide isolation between
the unit and the floor. Water supply pumps should not be
hard plumbed directly to the unit with copper pipe; this
could transfer vibration from the water pump to the
refrigeration circuit causing a resonating sound. Hard
plumbing could also transfer vibration noise from the unit
through the piping to the living space.
eNote: Keep all doors and screws installed on unit
while moving unit and installing ductwork. This will help
ensure that the unit stays square, allowing for easier
removal of door after the ductwork is attached.
VCAUTION - Before driving screws into the cabinet,
check on the inside of the unit to be sure the screw will
not hit electrical or refrigeration lines.
rI. DUCT SYSTEM/BLOWER
For the duct system, metal ductwork should be used.
Flexible connectors are required for discharge and return
air duct connections on a metal duct system. For
acceptable duct sizes, see Table 1.
Ifthe duct system is installed in an uninsulated space, the
metal ductwork should be insulated on the outside to
prevent heat loss, absorb noise, and prevent condensation
from collecting on the ductwork.
If the unit is connected to existing ductwork, this
ductwork gq! have the capacity to handle the air volume
required by the heat pump. Undersized ductwork will
cause noisy operation and poor operating efficiencies due
to lack of airflow. .-)
2

A variable speed ECM blower motor is used on the
GeoSource Vara series heat pumps. These motors
convert 230 Volt AC power to DC power internally. The
DC power can then be modulated to turn the motor at a
variety of speeds.
The blower's speed is modulated based on what the
thermostat is calling for. If the thermostat is calling for
only the FAN to operate, the blower will put out a low
amount of airflow in cubic feet per minute (CFM). This
low CFM output will gently circulate air throughout the
house, eliminating hot or cold spots, and actually reduce
the need for mechanical heating or cooling at certain
times of the year" The blower can supply this minimal
CFM output with a very low electrical usage.
When the thermostat calls for first stage heating or
cooling, the fan speed slowly begins to increase speed.
Because of the slow ramping of the blower speed, fuIl
speed on frst stage may not be achieved until nearly four
minutes have elapsed from the initial call. This enables
the blower to have very quiet starts, and helps minimize
cold blasts of air in the summer. It also provides
increased dehumidification in the sufirmer and warmer,
more comfortable discharge air in the winter. When the
thermostat calls for second stage heating, it will bring the
fan speed up to high speed. The fan speeds ofthe
GeoSource Vara heat pumps are factory set to provide
the highest efficiency at each stage of operation, but may
be adjusted slightly in the field to increase cornfort.
These settings are shown in Table 2.
Table 1- Duct Chart
Tables calculated for 0.05 to 0.10 inches ofwater friction per
the total design external static pressure is 0.20 inches of water.
Table 2 - Airflow
The controller provides a total of 12 fan speed set points.
There are four different CFM outputs in each of the three
fan speed ranges (Low, Medium, and High). These CFM
outputs are factory set, and should not be changed in the
field. There is an Adjust setting, which allows the blower
to be operated at+/- lU%o ofthe factory setting. For
example, if the Adjust tap is set to the "-*, all the speeds
will operate at 90%o of the factory setting. If the Adjust
tap is set to the "+", all the speeds will operate atll}%a of
the factory setting. The adjust tap is the only tap on the
Blower Speed Controller that should ever be moved from
the factory setting. The blower motor also provides
internal circuitry that will try to maintain the setpoint
CFM when changes occur in the external static pressure,
such as the filter getting dirty over time. The motor does
this by increasing its torque output to compensate for
external resistance changes.
The blower is also programmed to provide soft starting to
reduce air noise, delays after compressor shutdown to
distribute all the heat oulput from the compressor to the
heated space, and ramped speed changes. All these
features are designed for quiet, comfortable, efficient
operation.
eNote: The blower will not operate properly if
ductwork is not attached. The ductwork supplies static
pressure to give the blower motor a load to work against.
Blower motors may overheat without a load if run for an
extended period of time.
At these duct design conditions, along with the pressure drop the fi1ter,
4" 4x4
7S 5" 4x5,4x6
6" 4x8,4x6
150 7" 4x10, 5x8, 6x6
200 5x70,6x&,4x14,7x7
250 6x10, 8x8,4x16
10" 6x14, 8x10,7x12
350 10" 6x20, 6x16,9x10
1.2" 6xi8, i0x10,9x12 10" 4x20,7x10,6x12, 8x9
1.2 6x20, 8x14, 9x12. 10x1 1I0" 5x20,6x16,9x10, 8x12
s00 10" 10x1 0, 6x1 8, 8x1,2, 7 x14
72" 6x2O,7x78,8x16, 10x12
800 12" 8x1 8, 9x15, 10x74, 72x12
14" 10x18, 12x14,8x24
t200 16" 10x20,12x18,14x15
1400 16" 10x25, 1,2x20, 14x1 8, 15x1 6
18" 10x30, 15x18, 14x20
1800 20" 10x35, 15x20, 1,6x19, 12x30. 74x25
2000 20" 10x40, 12x30, 15x25, 18x20
GV/GrV360/361 485 1 100 12t0
GVlcw520ts2t 680 1550 1 705
GV/Grr/590/591 790 1 800 1920
Gvtcw670t671 845 7920 2000
.,
,cceotable Maia or Tr.nrik.Duct Sizes
sAo*iid 'kctauiilir .Bect*nedlar' ''.
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IIL CONDENSATE DRAIN
Condensate traps are built into every GeoSource Vara
vertical unit, so an external trap should not be installed.
Vertical units must be level to insure proper condensate
drainage. Horizontal units require an external condensate
trap in order to drain water from the heat pump.
Horizontal units must also be mounted level in order for
the condensate to drain.
On horizontal units, the condensate line as it leaves the U
bend of the condensate trap must be at least 3" below the
base of the heat pump. This requires the U bend to be 6"
below the unit to give the upward portion of the U bend a
3" lift. The condensate trap should be vented after the U
bend. The condensate line should be pitched away from
the unit a minimum of 1/8" per foot. If the unit produces
an odor in the cooling mode, the condensate ffap or line
may be plugged, or ttre unit may not be pitched correctly.
Bleach may be poured down the condensate drain in the
heat pump to kill any bacterial growth in the condensate
line. Vented condensate traps aro necessary to break the
negative pressure in the air chamber and allow the
condensate to flow. Construct condensate traps to the
following diagram.
Air vo 3/4"Minim
diMcta
Hat pmp bse
6" Drop To druifl wi*r
1/8" prfoot
-i.i-,- pitr,h
@3" Rise
Figure 1 - Condensate Drain - Horizontal Units Only
TO/IROM
CLOSED LOOP
IV. EARTH LOOP WATER
PIPING
Since water is the source of energy in the wintertime and
the energy siak in the summertime, good water supply is
possibly the most important requirement of a geothermal
heat pump sy3tem installation. There are two common
types of water supplies, closed loop systems and open
loop systems.
A. Closed Loop Applications
A closed loop system recirculates the same
water/antifreeze solution through a closed system of
underground high-density polyethylene pipe. As the
solution passes through the pipe, it collects heat (in the
heating mode) that is being transferred from the relatively
warm srrrounding soil through the pipe and into the
relatively cold solution. The solution is circulated to the
heat pump, which pulls heat out of the solution, and then
back through the ground to extract more heat from the
earth.
The GeoSource Vara is designed to operate on either
vertical or horizontal closed loop applications. Vertical
loops are typically installed with a well drilling rig up to
200 feet deep or more. Horizontal systems are typically
installed with excavating or trenching equipment
approximately six to eight feet deep, depending on
geographic location and length ofpipe used. Earth loops
must be sized properly for each particular geographic
area, soil type, and individual capacity requirements.
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Figure 2 - Closed Loop Water Plumbing
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tContact your local installer or ECONAR's Customer
Support for loop sizing requirements in your area.
Since normal wintertime operating entering water
temperatures (EW-f) b the heat pump are from 25oF to
32T, the solution in the earth loop must include
antifreeze. GTF and propylene glycol are conlmon
antifreeze solutions. GTF is methanol-based antifreeze,
which should be mixed 50Vo with water to achieve freeze
protection of 10oF. Propylene glycol antifreeze solution
should be mixed 25Va with water to obtain a 15T freeze
protection. DO NOT mix more that257o propylene
glycol with water in an attempt to achieve a lower than
15oF freeze protection, since more concentrated mixtures
ofpropylene glycol become too viscous at low
temperatures and cannot be pumped through the earth
loop. Insufficient amounts of antifreeze may result in a
freeze rupture of the unit, and can cause unit shutdown
problems during cold weather operation (when the heat
pump experiences the longest run time) due to loop
temperatures falling below the freeze protection of the
antifreeze.
Flow rate requirements for closed loops are higher than
open loop systems because water temperatures supplied to
the heat pump are generally lower (see Table 3). From
2.5 to 3.0 gallons per minute (GPM) per ton are required
for proper operation of the heat pump and the earth
coupled heat exchanger.
Table 3 -Side Flow Rates
Pressure/Temperalure P/T) ports should be installed in
the entering and leaving water lines of the heat pump on a
closed loop system (see Figure 2). A thermometer can be
inserted into the P/T ports to check entering and leaving
water temperatures. A pressure gauge can also be
inserted into these P/T ports to determine the pressure
differential between the entering and leaving water. This
pressure differential can then be compared to the
specification data on each particular heat pump to
determine the flow rate of the system.
A PumpPAKrM that is individually sized for each
application can supply pumping requirements for the
earth loop fluid. The PumpPAKrM can also be used to
purge the loop system. The PumpPAKru is wired direcfly
to the contactor and operates whenever the compressor
runs (see Electrical Diagram - Figure 4). If a
PumpPAKru is not used, a separate pump can be used
which is energized with a pump relay (note: electrical
code will require a fused discomect for pumps other than
PumpPAKsrM).
Filling and purging a closed loop system are very
important steps to assure proper heat pump operation.
Each loop must be purged with enough water flow to
assure a two feet per second flow rate in each circuit on
the loop. This normally requires a lVz to 3 HP high head
pump to circulate fluid through the loop to remove all the
air out of the loop and into a purging tank. Allow the
pump to run 10 to 15 minutes after the last air bubbles
havebeenremoved. Enough attifreeze mustbe added to
give a 10T to 151F freeze protection to the earth loop
system. This amount should be calculated and added to
the loop after purging is complete. Aft.er antifreeze has
been installed it should be measured with a hydrometer,
refractometer or any other device to determine the actual
freeztng point of the solution. Remember that a low
antifreeze level will lock the heat pump out on low
pressure during wintertime operation.
The purge pump can be used to pressurize the system to
an initial static pressure of 30-40 psi. Make sure the
system is at this pressure after the loop pipe has had
enough time to stretch. In order to achieve the 30 to 40
psi initial pressure, the loop may need to be pressurized to
60 to 65 psi. This static pressure will fluctuate from
heating to cooling season, but the pressure should always
remain above zero so circulation pumps do not cavitate
and air cannot be pulled into the system. SFor
information regarding earth loop installations contact your
local installer, distributor or factory representative.
B. Open Loop Applications
An open system gets its name from the open discharge of
water after it has been used by the heat pump. A well
must be available that can supply all of the water
requirements (see Table 3) of the heat pump along with
any other water requirements drawing off that same well.
The well must be capable of supplying the heat pump's
required flow rate for up to 24 hours per day on the
coldest winter day.
Figure 3 shows the necessary components for water
piping of an open system. First, a bladder type pressure
tank with a "draw down" of at least lYztines the well
pump capacity must be installed on the supply side of the
heat pump. Shut off valves and boiler drains on the
entering and leaving water lines are necessary for future
maintenance issues. A screen strailer is placed on the
supply line with a mesh size of 40 or 60 and enough
surface area to allow for particle buildup between
cleanings.
Pressure/Temperature (P/T) ports are placed in the supply
and discharge lines so that thermometers or pressure
gauges can be inserted into the water stream.
5
Closed Loop Opea.Loop
Flow
Model SJlow
d**al) dP
,(asi) dP
{rs0
G(V,H) 36 85.5 4 1.3
G(Y,H) 52 11 5.2 61.6
G(V,H) 59 13 6.0 93.1
G(V,H) 67 t4 1.0 10 3.8

On the well water discharge side of the heat pump, a flow
conffol valve must be mounted next to the heat pump to
regulate the maximum water flow through the unit. A
solenoid valve is then installed and wired to the accessory
plug @A) on the conftoller of the heat pump' This valve
will open when the unit is running and close when the
unit stops. A visual flow meter is then installed to allow
visual inspection of the flow requirements. The flow
meter can also be useful in determining when
maintenance is required (if you can't read the flow,
cleaning is required, see Water Coil Maintenance).
Schedule 40 PVC piping, copper tubing, polyethylene or
rubber hose can be used for supply and discharge water
lines. Make sure line sizes are large enough to supply the
required flow with a reasonable pressure drop (generally
1" diameter minimum). eNote: Do not use plastic
female fittings with metal male fittings, or fractures may
result in the female fittings. Always use plastic male into
steel female!
Water discharge is generally made to a drain field, stream,
pond, surface discharge, tile line, or storm sewer.
VCAUTION: Using a drain field requires soil
conditions and adequate sizing to assure rapid percolation,
or the required flow rates will not be achieved. Consult
local codes and ordinances to assure compliance. @
pf discharge water to a septic system.
<
Disobage --J
Figure 3 - Open Loop Water Plumbing
6
The heat pump should never be operated with flow rates
less than specified. Low flow rates or no flow may result
in freezing water in the water to refrigerant heat
exchanger. This will cause the unit to shut down on low-
pressure lockout. If the unit locks out, verify that the unit
has the required flow and reset the unit by shutting off
power to the unit for one minute. VDO NOT continually
reset the unit, if the unit locks out more than once call
your service professional. EContinued reset of the unit
can freeze water inside the water coil to the point of
rupturing the water coil.
1. Open Loop Freeze Protection Switch
Heat pump installations on open loop systems, using a
non-antifreeze protected water source during the heating
mode, glgg the use of freeze protection switches. If
the water supply to the heat pump is intemrpted for any
reason, continued operation of the compressor would
cause the water remaining in the water-to-refrigerant heat
exchanger to freeze and rupture the copper inner tube.
The freeze protection switch (ECONAR Part # 75-1028)
will shut the unit down before freezing can occur and
protect the heat pump against loss of flow" Afreeze
protection switch must be fleld installed on open loop
GeoSource Vara heat pumps before the warranty can be
registered on the heat pump. This switch mounts on the
compressor's suction line and is wired to terminals on the
controller (from X to FP). After the freeze protection
switch is installed. the J4 iumper and the blue iumper
wire from X to FP must be removed from the controller
to activate the switch. This 1ow pressure switch now
locks the unit off at 35 psi pressure in the heating mode.
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2. Water Coil Maintenance
Water quality is a major concern for open systems.
Problems can occur from scaling, particle buildup,
suspended solids, corrosion, pH levels outside theT-9
range, orbiological grorth. Ifpoor water quality is
known to exist in your area, a cupro-nickel water coil rrny
be required when ordering the system, or installing a
closed loop system may be the best altemative. Water
coil cleaning on an open loop system may be necessary on
a regular basis. Depending on the specific water quality
issue, the water coil can be cleaned by the following
methods:
a. Freeze Cleaning (Scale deposits, particle
buildup)
I. Before using the freeze cleaning procedure, verify that
it needs to be done. Answer the following questions to
determine if servicing is required.
1. Determine and verify that the required water flow
rate in GPM is both present and correct.
2. Determine the temperature differential of the
water. Under normal conditions, there should be a
temperature difference ofabout 10-15 degrees
between the supply side and discharge side. Ifthe
temperature difference is 8 degrees or less,
consideration should then be given to cleaning the
water coil heat exchanger.
II. If cleaning of the water coil is indicated, please
carefully follow the steps listed below to utilize the freeze
cleaning method.
1. Turn off the heat pump and its water supply.
2. Open a plumbing connection on the water supply
side, if possible, to break the system vacuum and
allow easier drainage of the system and water coil.
3. Drain the water out of the system and water coil
via the boiler drains on the entering and leaving
water lines, and the drain on the heat exchanger.
EWARNING!! g FAILURE TO COMPLETELY
DRAIN THEWATER COIL HEAT EXCHANGER
COULD POSSIBLY RESULT IN A FREEZE
RUPTLIRE!
4. Set the thermostat to "Heat" to start the heat pump
in the heating mode and quickly freeze the coil.
5. Allow the heat pump to run until it automatically
shuts off on low pressure and then turn the
thermostat to the "Off'position.
6. Recap the water drains and tighten any plumbing
connections that may have been loosened.
7. If so equipped, open the field installed drain cock
on the water discharge side of the heat pump, and
install a short piece of rubber hose to allow
drainage into a drain or bucket. A drain cock on
the discharge side allows the water flow to blpass
the solenoid valve, flow valve, flow meter, or any
other item that may be clogged by mineral debris.
Drainage to a bucket helps prevent the clogging of
drains and allows you to visually determine the
effectiveness of the procedure.
8. Turn on the water supply to the heat pump in order
to start the process of flushing any mineral debris
from the unit.
9. Set the thermostat to "Cool" and start the heat
pump in the cooling mode to quickly thaw out the
water coil.
10. Run the heat pump until the water coil is
completely thawed out and any loosened scale,
mineral deposits, or other debris buildup is flushed
completely from the water coil. Allow at least 5
minutes of operation to ensure that the water coil
is thoroughly thawed out.
I 1. If ttre water still contains mineral debris, and if the
flow through the unit did not improve along with
an increase in the temperature difference between
the water supply and discharge, repeat the entire
procedure listed above.
12. Reset the heat pump for normal operation.
b. Chlorine Cleaning (Bacterial Growth)
1. Turn the thermostat to the "Off'position.
2. Connect a submersible circulating pump to the
hose bibs on the entering and leaving water sides
of the heat exchangers.
3. Submerse the pump in a five-gallon pail of water
and chlorine bleach mixture. The chlorine should
be sftong enough to kill the bacteria. Suggested
initial mixture is 1 part chlorine bleach to 4 parts
water.
4. Close the shut off valves upstream and
downsffeam of the heat exchanger.
5. Open the hose bibs to allow circulation of the
bleach solution.
6. Start fhe pump and circulate the solution through
the heat exchanger for 15 minutes to one hour.
The solution should change color to indicate the
chlorine is killing the bacteria and removing it
from the heat exchanger.
7. Flush the used solution down a drain by adding a
fresh water supply to the pail. Flush until the
leaving water is clear.
8. Repeat this procedure until the solution runs clear
through the chlorine circulation process.
9. Flush the entire heat pump system with water.
This procedure can be repeated annually, semiannually, or
as often as it takes to keep bacteria out ofthe heat
exchanger, or when bacteria appezlrs in a visual flowmeter
to the point the flow cannot be read.
Another alternative to bacteria problems is to shock your
entire wel1. Shocking your well may give longer term
relief from bacteria problems than cleaning your heat
exchanger, but will probably need to be repeated, possibly
every three to five years. SContact a well driller in your
area for more information.
7

c. Miratic Acid Cleaning (Difficult Scaling
and Particle Buildup Problems)
l. Consult installer due to dangerous nature ofacids.
2. Iron out solutions and de-scaling products are also
useful.
VI. UNIT SIZING
Selecting the unit capacity of a geothermal heat pump
requires two things:
A) Earth Loop Configuration and Design Water
Temperatures.
B) Building Heat Loss/Heat Gain.
A. Loop Configuration and Design
Water Temperatures
Loop configurations include the open and closed loop
varieties. Heat pump capacity and flow rate requirements
vary depending on loop configuration (see Table 3).
1. Closed Loop Systems
Closed loop systems use a heat exchanger of high density
polyethylene pipe buried underground to supply a
tempered water solution back to the heat pump. Closed
loops operate at higher flow rates than open loops since
the entering water temperature (EWT) is lower. The loop
EWT supplied to the heat pump has a great effect on the
capacity of the unit in the heating mode. Earth loops in
cold climates are normally sized to supply a wintertime
EWT to the heat pump from 32oF down to 25oF, which
minimizes the installation cost of the earth loop and still
maintains proper system operation. The unit GPM
requirements and pressure drops for loop pump sizing is
available in Table 2.
When selecting the heat pump, choose a unit that will
supply the necessary heating or cooling capacity at the
minimum and maximum earth loop temperature
conditions respectively. Example; if a residential system
requires 44,000 Btu/hr to heat a house on an earth loop
system (designed for 32oF minimum wintertime EWT),
and 34,000 Btu/hr to cool the house on an earth loop
(designed for 77nF summertime EWT), a Gx52x-x-Vxxx
GeoSource Vara heat pump is required.
2. Open Loop Systems
On an open loop system the design water temperature will
be the well water temperature in your geographic region.
Many cold climates are in the 50oF range for well water
temperature. Flow rate requirements (in GPM) and unit
water-side pressure drops (in PSI) at 50"F EWT are
available in Table 3. If your well water temperatures are
lower than 50oF, for instance Canadian well water can be
as low as 43T, the flow rate must be increased to avoid
leaving water temperatures below the freezing point. If
well water temperatures are above 50"F, as in some
southem states where well water temperatures are above
70"F, the flow rates may need to be increased to dump
heat more efficiently in the cooling mode.
Varying well water temperatures will have little effect on
unit capacity in the cooling mode (since the well is
connected to the heat pump condenser), but can have
large effects on the capacity in the heating mode (since
the well is connected to the evaporator). If well water
temperatures are to exceed 70t'F, special considerations,
such as closed loop systems, should be addressed.
B. Building Heat Loss/fleat Gain
The space load must be estimated accurately for any
successful HVAC installation. There are many guides or
computer programs available for load estimation
including the ECONAR GeoSource Heat Pump
Handbook, Manual J, and others. After the heat loss/heat
gain is completed and loop EWT are established, the heat
pump can now be selected using the specifications data.
Choose the capacity of the heat pump based on both
heating and cooling load.
VII. ELECTRICAL SERVICE
The main electrical service must be protected by a fuse or
circuit breaker, and be capable ofproviding the amperes
required by the unit at nameplate voltage. All wiring
shall comply with the national electrical code and,/or any
local codes that may apply. Access to the line voltage
contactor is gained through the knockouts provided on
either side ofthe heat pump next to the front corner.
Route EMT or flexible conduit with appropriate 3-
conductor wire to the contactor.
9WARNING - The unit must be properly erounded!9
VCAUUON: Three-phase units ruI be wired
properly to insure proper compressor rotation. Improper
phasing may result in compressor damage. An electronic
phase sequence indicator must be used to check supply-
wiring phase. Also, the "Wild" leg of the three-phase
power must be connected to the middle leg on the
contactor.
When supplying power to external water pumps with the
heat pump's power supply, use only impedance protected
motors. ECONAR PumpPAKsrM can be wired directly to
the contactor in the electrical box. The relay will energize
the PumpPAKrM with a call for heating or cooling. The
use of impedance protected pumps eliminates the need for
additional fusing on the PumpPAKrM.
8
)

VilI.}4YOLT CONTROL
CIRCUIT
The wiring diagram in Figure 4 shows the low voltage
controls of the heat pump. This section will break down
the three basic components of the low voltage circuit;
transformer, thermostat, and conffoller.
A. Transformer
An electrical diagram is provided in Figwe 4, and on the
electrical box cover panel of the heat pump. An internal
24-volt,55 VA transformer is provided to operate all
control features of the heat pump. Table 4 shows the
transformer usage for GeoSource Vara heat pumps.
If any system's extemal controls require more than the
VA available for extemal use from the transformer, a
separate transformer must be used. The heat pump's
transformer can generally power simple external control
systems consisting of a few relays or a zone valve
(depending, of course, on the VA draw of the
components). On more complicated control systems the
transformer's capactty is used up very quickly.
€Note: For units operating on 208V electrical service,
the transformer must be switched to the correct lead (see
electrical diagram - Figure 4). Units are factory shipped
with the fansformer set for 240V service. Operating a
unit on 208V with the transformer set to 240V will cause
the unit to operate with lower than normal control voltage.
Table 4 - Transformer
B. Thermostat
A 2-heatl I -cool thermostat, ECONAR part number
70-2002, is required for proper operation of GeoSource
Vara heat pumps. This thermostat controls all stages of
operation of the heat pump. Initiation of each stage is
implemented based on the recovery rate of the actual
temperature to the set point temperature. This means that
switching to a higher stage will require time (sometimes
15 minutes or more) for the thermostat to calculate rate of
change. Consult the instructions in the thermostat box for
proper mounting and operation. Be careful to select a
thermostat location where extemal temperature sources
^) will not effect sensed temperature.
V ClUffON- miswiring of control voltage on system
controls can result in fuse or transformer burnout.
€Note: If a single thermostat controls multiple heat
pumps, the control wiring of the heat pumps must be
isolated from each other. This will prevent the heat
pumps from receiving high voltage though the common
wiring if it is tumed off at the circuit breaker for service.
1. Wiring
Eighrwire thermostat cable must be run from the heat
pump to the thermostat. Power is supplied to the
thermostat by connecting the R and X (C) terminals to the
heat pump terminal strip. The G terminal from the
thermostat initiates the blower's sequences. The fust
stage operation is energized by the Y terminal. The unit
is put into the cooling mode when the thermostat
energizes the O terminal, which operates the 4-way
reversing valve. The W2 terminal energizes second stage
heating if present. The E terminal energizes the backup
heat source (if present) in emergency heat mode. The L
terminal is connected to an LED on the thermostat. These
connections are listed in Table 5.
Table 5 -Connections
2. Lights
The L terminal on the heat pump, wired to the L terminal
on the thermostat, will light the "lockout" light on the
thermostat; indicating the controller is in lockout mode.
If this occurs, please see the section titled "Compressor
Lockouts."
C. Controller
The controller receives a signal from the thermostat and
initiates the correct sequence of operations for the heat
pump. The controller performs the following functions:
1) Blower Operation and Speed Control
2) Earth Loop Pump Initiation
3) CompressorOperation
4) 4-Way Valve Control
5) Compressor Lockouts
6) CompressorAnti-Short-Cycle
7) System Diagnostics
8) Overflow Detection
1. Blower Oferation and Speed Control
A signal on the G terminal from the thermostat to the
controller will tell the controller to energize the blower.
A G signal alone puts the motor in low speed operation.
If the thermostat sends a G and Y signal to the controller
for 1't stage operation, the controller bumps the blower
speed up to Medium. When the thermostat sends a G, Y,
9
RR
xc (x)
GG
oo
Y1
Y1
LL
w2 w2
EE
lctor 7
y Valve 4
2
rostat 1
, M"t.. 2
at Relay (opt.) 6
22
33
Slir*BffiIS{fiii Tlcrssstd
Frmt6oa
24 Volt Power
Common
Blower
Reversing Valve
1" Stage Heat / Cool
Lockout Simal
2'd Stage Heat
Emerqency Heat
Coxgloneot. YA
Controller
Iotal
Available

and W2 signal to the controller for 2nd stage heat
operation, the controller bumps the blower speed to High.
These system configurations are tabled in the airflow
settings (Table 2).
To change blower speeds, move the pin jumper labeled
"Adjust" from its existing location to either the "+" or the
":'tap. This will adjust the airflow either up or down by
70Vo of the factory setting. The pin jumpers in the Low,
Medium, and High settings should not be moved from the
factory setting.
Z.Earth Loop Pump Initiation
If a PumpPAKrM is used, it should be wired directly to the
contactor of the compressor. If a PumpPAKrM is not
used, a separate pump can be used which is energized
with a pump relay (Note: electrical code will require a
fused disconnect for pumps other than PumpPAKsrM).
When there is a call for an Ml output from the controller,
the contactor will energize, starting the compressor and
earth loop pump.
3. Compressor Operation
A Y signal from the thermostat will ask the controller to
initiate 1" stage heating or cooling. The controller then
decides, based on lockout and anti-short-cycle periods,
when to bring the compressor on. The M1 output of the
controller energizes the compressor. The compressor
stays on until the thermostat is satisfied, or a lockout
condition occurs.
4. 4-Way Yalve Control
When the thermostat calls for cooling on the O terminal,
the controller energizes its O output to send control power
to the 4-way reversing valve (VR) to switch the
refrigerant circuit to the cooling mode.
5. Compressor Lockouts
A compressor lockout occurs if the high-pressure, low
pressure (in the heating mode), or freezeprotection
pressure switches open. The controller blocks the signal
from the thermostat to the contactor that normally would
energize the compressor. In the event of a compressor
lockout, the controller will send a signal from i on the
terminal strip to an LED on the thermostat to indicate a
lockout condition. This lockout condition means that the
unit has shut down to protect itself, and will not come
back on until power has been disconnected (via the circuit
breaker) to the heat pump for one minute. problems that
could cause a lockout situation include:
1. Water flow or temperatwe problems
2. Air flow or temperatwe problems
3.Internal heat pump operation problems
4. Cold ambient air lemperature conditions
tlf a lockout condition exists, the heat pump should not
be reset more than once; a service techniiian should be
called immediately. VThe cause of rhe lockout musr be
determined. Repeated reset may cause damage to the
system.
6. Compressor Anti-Short-Cycle
An anti-short-cycle is a delay period between the time a
compressor shuts down and when that compressor is
allowed to come on again. This protects the compressor
and avoids nuisance lockout conditions. Anti-short-
cycles occur after these three conditions;
l. A 30 second to one minute time-out period occurs
on a compressor before it will start after its last
shutdown.
2. A four minute 35 second delay is incorporated into
the timing function immediately after power is
applied to the heat pump. This occurs only after
reapplying power to the unit. To avoid this
timeout while servicing the unit, apply power,
disconnect and reapply power very quickly. This
can sometimes eliminate the waiting period.
3. A four-minute anti-short-cycle will occur after a
low-pressure switch opens in the cooling mode.
This is done to eliminate nuisance lockout
conditions. 3If the compressor continuously
short cycles in the cooling mode, shut the
thermostat off and call your service technician.
7. System Diagnostics
The controller is equipped with diagnostic LED lights,
which indicate the system status at any particular time.
The lights indicate the following conditions:
l.24Yoltsystempower GREEN
2. Fault or Lockout YELLOW
3. Anti-short-cycle mode RED
IX. STARTUP
8. Overflow Detection
An optional overflow detection sensor may be added to
the GeoSource Vara. This sensor is located in the drain
pan, and monitors the amount of water accumulated in the
pan. If the condensate drain becomes clogged or kinked,
and the unit is not draining water, the sensor will shut the
heat pump off for an anti-short-cycle period of
approximately 3 minutes and 35 seconds. After this time,
the heat pump will start again if the condensate has
drained. If the water is still present, the unit will go
through anti-short-cycles until the condensate has drained.
This protection switch keeps the condensate from
overflowing the drain pan and possibly leaking onto the
floor or ceiting.
!9fore applying power to the heat pump, check the
following items:
- Water supply plumbing to the heat pump is
completed and operating. Manually open the water
valve on well systems to check flow. ii4ake sure all
valves are open and air has been purged from a
closed loop system. Never operate the system
without correct water flow.
l0
I
f

AII construction dust has been cleaned up and all
sheet-rocking is completed. Construction dust,
especially sheet-rock dust, can plug the air coil and
block airflow. Make sure the filter is clean before
starting the unit.
Low voltage wiring of the thermostat and any
additional control wiring is complete. Set thermostat
to the "OFF" position.
All high voltage wiring is correct including fuses,
breakers, and wire sizes.
The heat pump is located in a warm area (above
45"F). Starting the system with low ambient
temperature conditions is more dfficult; do not leave
until the space is brought up to operating
temperatures.
You may now apply power to *te unit. A 4 minute 35
second delay on power up is programmed into the heat
pump before the compressor will operate. During this
time you can verify airflow with the following procedure:
- Place the thermostat in the "FAN ON" position. The
blower should start in low speed. Check airflow at
the registers to make sure that they are open and that
air is being distributed throughout the house. When
airflow has been checked, move the thermostat to the
"FAN AIJTO" position. The blower should stop.
The following steps will assure that your system is
heating and cooling properly. After the initial power up
period is completed, the red indicator fight on the internal
conffoller will shut off. The heat pump is now ready for
operation.
- With the thermostat in the "HEAT" mode, turn the
thermostat up to its highest temperature setting. The
blower should start, with the compressor starting a
few seconds later. The thermostat may cause its own
compressor delay at this time but the compressor will
start after all delays.
- After running the unit for 5 minutes, check the airside
return and supply temperatures. An air temperature
rise of 20oF to 30oF is normal in the heating mode,
but variations in water temperature and water flow
rate cafl cause variations outside the normal range.
- Turn the thermostat to the'OFF" mode. The
compressor will shut down in a few seconds, with the
blower stopping shortly after.
- Next, set the thermostat to "COOL" and turn down to
its lowest setting. The blower will start immediately,
and the compressor will start after all anti-short cycle
periods. The anti-short cycle period is indicated by
the red light (labeled ASC) on the controller.
- After the unit has run in cooling for 5 minutes, check
the airside return and supply temperatures. An air
temperature drop of 15oF to 20"F is normal in the
cooling mode but airflow and humidity can effect
temperature drop.
- Set the thermostat for normal operation.
- Instruct the owner on correctoperation ofthe
thermostat and heat pump.
The heat pump is equipped with both high and low
pressure switches that shut the unit off if the refrigerant
pressure exceeds 400 psi or goes below 25 psi. Ifthe
system exceeds 400 psi, the high-pressure switch will trip
and lock the unit off until power has been disconnected at
the circuit breaker for approximately one minute. System
pressures below 25 psi in heating will trip the low
pressure switch and lock the unit out until the power
supply has been de-energized for one minute. On a well
water system, the freeze protection switch (fi eld installed
part number 75-1028) will activate the lockout at 35 psi in
the heating mode to protect the water coil against freeze
rupture. After resetting a lockout (by disconnecting
power to the unit) verify that both water flow and airflow
are at the recommended levels before energizing the
compressor. DO NOT reset a well water system without
verifying water flow. DO NOT reset the system more
than one time. VRepeated resetting of the lockout can
cause serious damage ifthe reason for lockout is not
corrected.
I - Iflockout occurs more than once contact your
ECONAR dealer immediatelv. I
X. SERVICE
Regular service to a GeoSource Vara heat pump is very
limited. The biggest factor is cleaning the air filter.
Other factors could include water coil maintenance on an
open loop system (this maintenance is discussed in
section V). Setting up regular service checkups with your
ECONAR dealer could be considered. Any major
problems with the heat pump system operation will be
indicated on the thermostat lockout light.
A. Filter
The GeoSource Vara heat pump requires an electrostatic
air filter (ECONAR part number 70-1066 for
GY / GH/ 3 6 I 52, 7 0- 1067 for GH/59 /67, 7 0 - 107 7 for
GY159167). This filter can be cleaned and reused after it
becomes dfuty. This fi1ter should normally be cleaned
once a month during normal usage. During extreme
usage or if system performance has decreased, the filter
should be cleaned more often.
A dfuty filter will increase static pressure to the system.
This increase in static pressure will cause the variabte
speed blower to increase its speed in order to maintain
airflow levels. This increase in speed will consume more
power than normal, reducing the efficiency of the system.
In extreme cases, the blower will not be able produce the
correct amount of airflow. In the heating mode, reduced
airflow may increase the cost of operation and, in extreme
cases, cause system lockout due to high refrigerant
pressures. In the cooling mode, reduced airflow may
reduce cooling capacity and, in extreme cases, ice the
aircoil over causing system shutdown due to low
refrigerant pressures.
11

This washable electrostatic air filter can be cleaned by
spraying water through the filter in the opposite direction
of tlr" indi"ut"d airflow. This can be done outside or in a
garage with a garden hose, or in a large sink. Soap may
also be used to provide extra cleaning.
If another fi1ter is used in place ofthe factory supplied
filter, it should also be cleaned or changed in a timely
manner. Be careful in selecting optional filters so that
excessive external resistance to airJlow is not induced'
B. Lockout Lights
A lockout light on the thermostat will light to indicate
major system problems. If this light is on, the refrigerant
ciriuit is locked out on one of its pressure switches. If
lockout occurs, follow the procedure below:
1) Check for a clean filter and colrect water supply from
the earth loop or well water system.
2) Reset the system by disconnecting power at the
circuit breaker for one minute, and then reapplying
power.
3) Ifshutdown reoccurs, check the indicator lights on
the controller in the unit and review the lockout
troubleshooting guide in section XII of this manual.
4) If lockouts persist, call your ECONAR dealer. Do
not continuously reset the lockout condition or
damage may occur. l8
C. Preseason Inspection
Before each season, the air coil, drain pan, and condensate
drain should be inspected and cleaned as follows:
- Turn off the circuit breakers.
- Remove the access panels.
- Clean the air coil by vacuuming it with a soft-brush
attachment.
- Remove any foreign matter from the drain pan.
- Flush the pan and drain tube with clear water.
- Replace the access panels and return power to the
unit.
XI. THERMOSTAT
OPERATION
This section covers basic operation ofthe 2-heat l-cool
thermostat, ECONAR part number 7O-2OO2, which is
required for proper operation of your GeoSource Vara.
The settings of the thermostat are controlled with the
"System", "Fan", "i", up key, and down key buttons. The
System and Fan buttons are located behind the flip-down
panel.
by pressing the "system" button, you can control the
mode that the thermostat operates in. The five system
settings are:
1. Em. Heat - Controls backup heating. In this mode,
the heat pump's compressor is locked out, and only
the backup heating elements (if installed) operate'
2. Heat - Controls norrnal heating operation.
3. Off- Both heating and cootng are off.
4. Cool - Controls normal cooling operation.
5. Auto - The thermostat automatically changes
between heating and cooling operation, depending
on the indoor temperature.
Note: When the thermostat is set to Auto, there must be
at least a 2oF difference between the Heating setpoint
temperafure and the Cooling setpoint temperature.
The "Fan" button conffols the operation of the heat
pump's blower. The Fan button has two settings:
1. On - The blower operates continuously.
2. Auto - The blower operates with either a heating or
cooling call.
By pressing the "7", or information, key, you can cycle
through your temperature setpoints. If you wish to
change a temperature setting, press either the up key or
down key when the appropriate mode is displayed. For
example, you wish to change the heating setpoint from
68oF to 70oF. Push the "i" key until the heating setpoint
appears on the LCD display. Then, press the up key until
the desired setpoint is reached. The thermostat will
automatically switch back to the room temperature
display after a few seconds.
If the LED on the bottom of the thermostat is lit, your
heat pump has locked itself out to protect itself. If this
occurs, please see the Compressor Lockout section of this
manual.
If you have additional questions about your thermostat,
please see the installation manual that was sent with the
thermostat.
12

-\ xII. TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE FOR LOCKOUT CONDITIONS
If the heat pump goes into lockout on a high or low pressure switch, the cause of the lockout can be narrowed down by
knowing the operating mode and which pressure switch the unit locked out on. The following table will help track down the
problem once this information is known. Note: A lockout condition is a result of the heat pump shutting itself off to protect
itself, never bypass the lockout circuit. Serious damage can be caused by the system operating without lockout protection.
X[I. TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE FOR UNIT OPERATION
Evaporator
(air coil) ices
over in
High Pressure
(Condenser, Air Coil Side)
-Loss/lack of airflow
-High return air temperatures (above 85oF)
-Dirty (fouled) condenser coil
-Overcharged refri gerant circuit
Heating
Low Pressure
@vaporator, Earth Coupled Water Coil Side)
-Loss/lack of flow through earth coupled coil
-Low fluid temperature operation in the earth loop
-Freezing fluid in heat exchanger (lack of antifreeze)
-Undercharged/overcharged refrigerant circuit
-Expansion valve/sensing bulb malfunction
High Pressure
(Condenser, Earth Coupled Water Coil Side)
-Loss/lack of water flow in earth loop
-High fluid temperarure operation in the earth loop
-Dirry (fouled) condenser coil
-Overchargq4 refri gerant circuit
Cooling
Low Pressure (Anti-Short Cycle)
(Evaporator, Air Coil Side)
-Loss/lack of airflow
-Low air temperature (below 55T)
-Freezing condensation on air coil
-Undercharged/overcharged refrigerant circuit
-Expansior! valve/sensing bulb malfunction
Blown Fuse/Tripped Circuit
Breaker Replace fuse or reset circuit breaker" (Check for correct size fuse or circuit breaker.)
Blown Fuse on Controller Replace fuse on controller. (Check for correct size fuse.)
Broken or Loose Wires Replace or tighten the wires
Voltage Supply Low If voltage is below minimum voltage on data plate, contact local power company. Supply
below 196 volts will hamper compressor startup.
Low Voltage Circuit Check transformer and fuse for burnout or voltage less than 1 8 volts.
Thermostat Set thermostat on "Cool" and lowest temperature setting, wait for timeout period and unit
should run. Set thermostat on "Heat" and highest temperature setting, wait for timeout
period and unit should run. If unit does not run in both cases, the thermostat could be wired
incorrectly or be faulty. To prove faulty or miswired thermostat, disconnect thermostat wires
at the unit and jumper befween "R", "Y" and "G" terminals and unit should run. Replace
thermostat with correct heat pump themostat only. A substitute may not work properly.
Entire unit
does not run
Interruptible Power Check supply voltage.
Dirty Filter Check filter. Clean or replace if found dirty.
Thermostat Improperly Set Is it below room temperature? Clleck the thermostat setting.
Defective Thermostat Check therrLostat operation. Replace if found defective.
lncorrect Wiring Check for broken, loose, or incorrect wires.
Unir will not
operate on
"heating" Blower Motor Defective Check blower motor in one of the other switch positions. ff it does not operate the
compressor will go off on higlr head.
Dirty Air Filter Check filter. Clean or replace iffound dirty
Airflow Lack of adequate airflow or improper distribution of air. Check the motor
sizing. Check the filter, it should be inspected every month and changed if dirty. Check for
closed registers. Remove or qdd resistance accordingly.
speed and duct
Low Air Temperature Room temperatures below 65oF may ice over the evaporator
mode
13
1[[llg* LOC{OUTCS}TSIIION POSSIBI,{CAUSA
PB3BX,*Bi{ ?OSSIBLACAUST .CffiCKS AND CORASCTIONS

Thermostat
Wiring
Blown Fuse The unit could be off on the high or low-pressure cutout control. Check water GPM,
CFM and filter, ambient temperature and loss of refrigerant. If the unit still fails to run,
arr
if defective.
controls
check for
High or Low Pressure Controls
If voltage is below minimum voltage specified on the data plate, contact local power
Check terminal.
at for
Voltage Supply Low
Check transfofiner and fuse for burn out or voltage less that 18 volts. With a voltmeter,
check signal from thermostat at Y to X, Ml on controller to X, check for 24 volts across the
compressor contactor. Replace component that does not energize.
Low Voltage Circuit
Compressor Overload Open ln all cases an "internal" compressor overload is used. If the compressor motor is too
the overload will not reset until the cqmpfgllgllqqlq down. hot,
lnternal winding grounded to the compressor shell. Replace the compressor,
burnout, replace inline filter drier. If compressor
Compressor Motor Grounded
Check continuity of the compressor windings with an ohmmeter. If the windings are open,
replace the compressor.
Compressor Windings Open
Seized Compressor Try an auxiliary capacitor in parallel with the run capacitor momentarily. If the compressor
still does not start, repiace it.
Blower motor
runs but
compressor
does not, or
compressor
short cycles
Improperly located thermostat (e.g. near kitchen, inaccurately sensing the comfort level in
living areas).
Thermostat
Wirine and Controls Loose wiring connections, or control contactor defective,
Compressor overload works on high temperature. A compressor running hot may be due to
lack of refrigerant charge or faulty high-pressure lockout.
Unit short
cycles Compressor Overload Engaging
Reversing Valve does not Shift Defective solenoid valve will not energize. Replace solenoid coil.
Unit does not
cool (Heats
Only)
Reversing Valve does not Shift,
the Valve is Stuck The solenoid valve is de-energized due to miswiring at the unit or thermostat-correct wiring.
Replace if valve is tight or frozen and will not move. Switch from heating to cooling a few
times to loosen valve.
Water Lack of sufficient pressure, temperature or quantity of water
Unit Undersized
Air lraks in Ductwork Check for leaks in ductwork or introduction of ambient air through doors/windows
Thermostat Improperly located thermostat (e.g. near kitchen, not sensing the comfort tevel in living
areas). Check anticipator setting.
Airflow Lack of adequate airflow or improper distribution of air. Check the motor speed and duct
sizing. Check the filter, it should be inspected every month and cleaned if dirty. Remove or
add resistance accordingly.
Refrigerant Charge Low on refrigerant charge causing inefficient operation. Adjust only after checking CFM
and GPM.
Reversing Valve reversing valve creating bypass of refrigerant from discharge to suction side of
compressor. When it is necessary to replace the reversing valve, wrap it with a wet cloth and
direct the heat away. Excessive heat can damage the valve.
Defective
Insufficient
cooling or
heating
Desuperheater The crcurt should disconnectedbe
desuperheater (inJine fuse) extreme weather
cold
during
allow
to fu11 to
load house.
Unit not kvel Level vertical units.
Water drips
from unit Condensate Drain Line Kinked
or Plugged Clean condensate Make
drain. sure external drain
condensate installedls with adequate drop
and
Compressor Make sure the compressor is not in direct contact with the base or sides of the cabinet.
or creates noise.
Blower and BIower Motor Blower wheel hitting the casing, adjust for clearance and alignment. Bent blower, check and
Loose blower wheel on check and
if
Contactors Aor m
nolse the
"clattering" contactor be
could to
due
"humming" control than
less
voltage
8ICheck volts. lowfor low transformer or
voltage,
supply tralsformer
outPut, tap setting.
the
If contactor contacts are corroded
OI or coil IS or
Rattles and Vibrations loosefor internalOI
screws, panels, could be the
Copper
components. piping hitting
metal surfaces.
Water and Airborne Noises
Noisy
0peration
Cavitating Pumps Purge air from closed loop system.
Check and
Check for loose or broken wires at or contactor
fuse or reset circuit breaker, for correct size fuse or circuit breaker
Recalculate heat gains or losses for space to be conditioned. If excessive, rectify by adding
etc.
Undersized ductwork will cause high airflow velocities and noisy operation. Excessive
water through the water coil will cause asquealing sound. Check the water flow
t4
flow for but the noise. , ensuring
C{IEICKS AND CSRR*CTIONS
PROBLTM POSSIBLECAUS$

. XIV. ADDITIONAL FIGURES
((r
wzl r
rrrrtltt
Eeilt
DC
Blue
+
toE ED
x
Run
x
I
Red
1-Phaee
vAc
white
Black
YeIlow
208V
Y EW2
JI J2
1
I
I
I.TI
PM
s
,rl
FP
Ts
tt
xl-
PA
166l
Blue
IPs
Asc Controlter
S 20-1038
Rev. E
w
A!
I
Blue
v2
-
aigh vol:age 240vAC To pffiDpx (tutionalr I
Geosource vara geat purE,
-
Faciory witing
q)tj-onal
ffi
lls
LP EP
- - Ei61d {ilind
Add to
WeAI Syates
(Esove JWer)
Electricd Diagrm
Rev E 10,/05 80-0034
IdBta11 J@e!
?hemstat f,r@ Y1 to U1
Ecow Pert f - - I plecuic seet
Deauperhealet Pulll)
OIrti6af ll
JI
n
H
N
-t
tl
LEGEND
Fuse, Trmfomer
Fuse, Desuperheater
High Temp Limit
Fligh Pressure Switch
Low Prsssure Switch
Cortaolor
Plug, Accessory
Valve, Reversing
BLOWER SPEEI] SETl'INGS
A = 67 Scrics
B = 59 Series
C = 52 Series
D - 36 Serics
+: lncrease CFM by l0%
-: Decrcasc CFM by l0%
BLOWER MOTOR CONTROI, W1RES
1 - Blue
2 - White
3 - Blue
4 - Green/Red
5 - White/Red
7 - Orangc
i I - white/Blue
12 - Red
13 - Black
l4 - Creen/Blue
l5 - Green
FI
F2
llL
HP
t-P
MI
PA
VR
J1 Musl remain on
J2 Ties W2 to E
J3 OverIlow Protectiotr
Figure 4 - Electrical Diagram for GeoSource Vara Heat Pump
15
I
I

Hanger P
Assembly
Figure 5 - Horizontal Unit Hanging Bracket
Table 6 - Controller #20-1038 LED Indicator Chart
Note: ConcePtuaL drawj-ng only. Please
foIlow directions included with hanger
assembLy kit for proper insr-allaiion.
Indicates LP switch
indicators latched and resettable
ON while water present on sensor, ASC period with
fuse or removed.
AC power applied ASC indicator on for 4' 35" on initialization.
X
xfor a call to run.
- unit or
Power
x
ASC indicator ON for 30 to 60 seconds after compressor
shutdown.
x
x
x
X
LP - before xxx
LP (F/A heating - after call) LP switch
xXLP delayed 90 seconds on initial call, then ASC and LP
indicator ON while switch is open
xx
x
LP{,F7A cooling - aftor call)
LP indicator will flash if switch closed during ASC period.
Indicator reset after ASC period.
xxflash
ON=
HP switch
xx
HP (F/A heating - before call) Lockout, indicators latched and resettable by removing power
Xxx
HP (F/A heating - after call) xxIndicates HP switch position (ON = open).
I{P (F/A cooling - before call) xxLockout, indicators latched and resettable by removing power
HP (F/A cooling - after call) xxIndicates FP switch position (ON = open)
FP (F/A heating - before call) X
x x xLockout, indicators latched and resettable by removing power
FP (F/A heating - after call) xFP switch disabled in cooling mode.
FP (F/A cooling)
xIndicator ON while water present on sensor (optional).
Condensate Overflow
Detector
(F/A heating)
x
xIndicator ON while water present on sensor (optional).
Condensate Overflow
Detector
(F/A cooling - before call)
x
Condensate Over{low
Detector
(F/A cooling - after call)
x x X
16
for F/A cooling only (optional)
)
r,? AP 5?
ASC
r*t${n*rl*N
LP (F/A cooling - before call)

Notes:
t]

XV. DESUPERHEATER
(OPTIONAL)
A GeoSource Vara heat pump equipped with a
desuperheater can provide supplemental heating of a
home's domestic hot water. This is done by stripping
heat from the superheated gas leaving the compressor and
transferring it to a hot water tank. A desuperheater pump,
manufactured into the unit, circulates water from the
domestic hot water tank, heats it using a double walled
water-to-refrigerant heat exchanger, and returns it to the
tank. The desuperheater provides supplemental heating
because it only heats water when the compressor is
already running to heat or cool the conditioned space.
Because the desuperheater is stripping some of the energy
from the heat pump in order to heat the water, the heat
pump's capacity in the winter will be slightly less than a
unit without a desuperheater. During extremely cold
weather, or if the heat pump cannot keep up with heating
the space, the desuperheater fuse may be pulled in order
to get more capacity out of the unit.
Insulated copper tubing should be used to run from the
hot water tank to the desuperheater connections on the left
side of the unit. The built in desuperheater pump can
provide the proper flow to the desuperheater ifthe total
equivalent length of straight pipe and connections is kept
to a maximum of 90 feet of 1/2-inch type L copper tubing.
This tubing can be connected to the hot water tank in two
ways:
METHOD 1
Using a desuperheater tee installed in the drain at the
bottom of the water heater (See Figure 6). This is the
preferred method for ease of installation, comfort and
efficiency. The tee eliminates the need to tap into the
domestic hot water lines and eliminates household water
supply temperature variations that could occur from
connectins to the hot water pipes.
METHOD 2
Taking hot water from the bottom drain and returning it
to the cold water supply line (See Figure 7). This method
maintains the same comfort and efficiency levels but
increases installation time and costs. This method
requires a check valve in the return line to the cold water
supply to prevent water from flowing backwards through
the desuperheater when the tank is filling. Water passing
through the pump backwards damages the rotor,s bearing,
which reduces pump life and causes noise problems in the
pump. A spring-type check valve with a pressure rating
of 1/2 psi or less is recommended.
All air must be purged from the desuperheater plumbing
before the pump is engaged. To purge small amounts of
air from the lines, loosen the desuperheater pump from its
housing by turning the brass collar. Let water drip orlt of
the housing until flow is established, and re-tighten the
brass collar. Using 1/2-inch copper tubing from the tank
to the desuperheater inlet is recommended to keep water
velocities high, avoiding air pockets at the pump inlet.
An air vent in the inlet line can also help systems where
air is a problem. If one is used (we recommend a Watts
Regulator brand FV4 or Spirovent) mount it near the
desuperheater inlet roughly 2-l/2 inches above the
horizontal pipe. Shutoffvalves allow access to the
desuperheater plumbhg without draining the hot water
tank. Keep valves open when pump is running.
VC,IUTION: Running the desuperheater pump without
water flow will damage the pump.
Poor water quality may resffict the effectiveness of using
the desuperheater tee by plugging the entrance with scale
or buildup from the bottom of the tank, restricting water
flow. Desuperheater maintenance includes periodically
opening the drain on the hot water tank to remove
deposits. Ifhard water, scale, or buildup causes regular
problems in hot water tanks in your area, it may result in a
loss of desuperheater effectiveness. This may require
periodic cleaning with Iron Out or similar products.
The desuperheater's high temperature cutout switch is
located on the return line from the water heater. The
switch is wired in series with the desuperheater pump to
disable the pump from circulating at entering water
temperature above 140"F. Ifthe desuperheater causes
tank temperatures to become uncomfortably hot, this
temperature switch can be moved to the leaving water line
which will reduce the tank maximum temperafures lOoF
to l5'F. Do not remove the high temperature switch or
tank temperatures could become dangerously high.
A fuse is attached to the fuseholder and must be
inserted in the fuseholder after the desuperheater is
operational. Do not insert fuse until water flow is
available or the pump may be damaged. Remove the fuse
to disable the pump if the desuperheater is not in
operation.
18