Well-Connect WCVC-16 User manual

WELL-CONNECT
USER’S GUIDE
Model WCVC16
Model WCVC24

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Congratulations on your purchase of a Well- Connect
Heating and Cooling System! Your satisfaction is
very important to us.
Read and follow this user’s guide as it contains
instructions and best practices regarding the
operation of your Well-Connect.
If you have questions, email, write or call us at*:
Terra Caloric, LLC Phone: [phone]
PO Box 307 Email: [e-mail]
Alpena, MI 49707
*Please have the following information available before contacting us.
Model # ______________________________________________
Serial # ______________________________________________
Date of purchase: ______________________________________

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TABLE OF CONTENTS:
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS p. 4
1. Definitions p. 7
2. Placement p. 11
3. Controls p. 11
4. Thermostat p. 12
5. Unattended Use p. 13
6. Required Maintenance p. 13
7. Storing A Well-Connect p. 16
8. Troubleshooting p. 17
9. Warranty p. 21

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IMPORTANT SAFETY
INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire, explosion, electric shock, or
personal injury when using your Well-Connect, follow all basic safety
precautions, including but not limited to the following:
1. Please read all instructions before using your Well-Connect.
2. As with any piece of equipment that uses electricity and has moving
parts, there are potential hazards. To ensure the safe operation of this
appliance, proper care must be taken. Therefore, anyone using or
installing it must heed all warnings, precautions and instructions.
3. Never install or operate your Well-Connect in an explosive, corrosive or
otherwise hazardous environment. Doing so may result in equipment
damage, property damage and personal injury.
4. Install your Well-Connect in a dry indoor environment ONLY. Do not
install or store this appliance where it will be exposed to the weather.
Internal water lines may burst if exposed to freezing conditions leading to
equipment damage and potential property damage.
5. Only install your Well-Connect on a level floor that supports the weight.
6. Your Well-Connect must remain in an upright position at all times. If it is
subject to any other orientation, even temporarily, contact us before
attempting to operate it.

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7. This appliance must be properly grounded. Never plug the appliance cord
into a receptacle that is not grounded adequately and in accordance with
local and national codes.
8. Connect your Well-Connect to a water source that can provide a constant
flow, at a minimum rate of two (2) gallons per minute for Model WCVC-
16 or four (4) gallons per minute for Model WCVC-24 at a temperature
of 45F (7C) or warmer. Some shallow wells may not be able to produce
the flow volume and/or temperature needed for proper operation. If you
are unsure whether your well can meet these requirements, consult your
Well-Connect dealer or local water well professional/supplier.
9. DO NOT install your unit where surrounding clearances are less than
those depicted in Figure 1.
10. DO NOT install or operate the unit where it may be subject to dusty or
dirty conditions, such as during a construction phase of building or
remodeling.
SUBJECTING YOUR WELL-CONNECT TO ANY OF
THE ABOVE UNDESIRABLE CONDITIONS SHALL
VOID ALL WARRANTIES.

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Top View
Side View
Figure 1

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1. Definitions
Stand-Alone (or Free-Standing)- A Well-Connect that is installed in a space
for heating and cooling and is not connected to any type of air delivery
system or ductwork. Conditioned air is simply delivered from louvers
incorporated into the front panel of the Well-Connect and returned to the
Well-Connect through the filter area on the back.
(Stand-Alone system shown with optional wood cabinet cover)

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Top Discharged (or Ducted)- A top discharged Well-Connect has a 12”
diameter duct collar incorporated into the top panel to facilitate a connection
to ductwork. In such a situation conditioned air is delivered from the top,
not from front louvers. The Well-Connect can be converted between ducted
and freestanding configurations by purchasing the appropriate top panel
assembly.

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Self-Ducted- A Well-Connect that is top discharged and the conditioned air
is delivered to a given space via ductwork separate from any other ductwork.
An example would be a Well-Connect that is installed in a basement and
ducted to the main floor, or to another room, etc.
(May require return ducting; use industry best practices when designing self-
ducted system.)

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Hybrid (or Integrated)- A top discharged Well-Connect that is directly
connected into the existing heating and cooling system ductwork of the
structure, allowing conditioned air from the Well-Connect to be distributed
throughout the entire building or home. A Hybrid Well-Connect is a two-
stage heating and cooling system that is installed in parallel with the existing
furnace system. The Well-Connect becomes the primary heating and cooling
system (stage one) and the existing system then becomes the secondary
heating and/or cooling system (stage two). See section 4 of this guide for
two-stage thermostat setup.

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2. PLACEMENT
Every installation is unique as far as unit placement. You should consider
where the conditioned air must be discharged to provide the best circulation
throughout the building or home. For a Stand-Alone or Self-Ducted system,
you might consider placing the Well-Connect (or conditioned air discharge)
where you spend most of your time. For a Hybrid system, your Well-
Connect should be installed in close proximity to the existing furnace.
3. CONTROLS
There is a power switch located on the back of the Well-Connect. A
thermostat (not included) is used to set the temperature.
When the Well-Connect is switched on, the thermostat must be set to either
the heating or cooling mode, and the desired temperature must be set as well.
Expect a short time delay (5-10 seconds) after making your selection.
The Well-Connect is programmed to monitor itself and detect any errors or
unfavorable operating conditions during normal operation. In the event that
an error or problem is detected, the control board will automatically lock out
(shut off) the Well-Connect compressor for five (5) minutes. After the five
(5) minute delay, the control board will automatically restart the compressor.
Should the system error re-occur, the control board will automatically lock
out the compressor for an additional five (5) minutes before trying to restart
again. Should the error occur a third time, the control board will lock out the
compressor indefinitely and sound a buzzer. Note that during any lockout
condition, the fan may remain running. If this happens, check for any
obvious problems such as a dirty air filter or a plugged water line. Once the
problem has been resolved, you can reset the system by manually turning it
‘off’ and then ‘on’ again at the main power switch on the rear of the unit. If
the Well-Connect locks out repeatedly, refer to the troubleshooting guide in
this manual. If you are unable to solve the problem yourself, call your
dealer, a qualified HVAC professional, or the Terra Caloric office for
assistance.
WARNING: Only qualified HVAC professionals should perform
service to your Well-Connect in the event of a recurring lock out
condition. Do not remove the electrical box cover, as hazardous voltage
may be present.

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4. THERMOSTAT
Thermostat Placement: For Stand-Alone or Self-Ducted systems, the
thermostat may be placed almost anywhere in the space to be conditioned.
Avoid placing the thermostat in any location where it may be exposed to
temperature changes from external sources such as direct sunlight, discharge
air from the unit, or any other hot or cold source. For a Well-Connect
Hybrid configuration the thermostat should be placed in close
proximity to the existing system thermostat (Figure 2).
Figure 2
Thermostat calibration: When the Well-Connect thermostat is placed
adjacent to the existing system thermostat, both thermostats should ideally
display the same temperature. In some cases, the Well-Connect thermostat
may need to be calibrated in order for the temperature readings to be the
same. After placing the Well-Connect thermostat on the wall, allow at least
two hours for it to acclimate. If after two hours the readings on the two
thermostats are different, please refer to the thermostat operation manual for
detailed instructions on how to calibrate the temperature display.
2-stage operation: The Well-Connect system can be set up so the Well-
Connect thermostat will automatically control your Well-Connect as the
primary heating and cooling source, and a fossil fuel furnace (or electric heat
strip) as second stage heating. This requires a low voltage wiring connection
between the two systems and is covered in detail in the “Well-Connect
Installation Guide”. If your system has been set up to operate in this
automatic 2-stage format, it is recommended that your existing furnace

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thermostat be set to “heat” at 10 degrees below the Well-Connect heating
setpoint. This will provide emergency heating if the Well-Connect should
become inoperable for any reason.
Alternately, you may prefer to operate your Well-Connect independently
from the existing system, but still use the existing system for supplemental
heating or cooling as needed. In this case you would not need the low
voltage wiring connection between the two systems.
In that case, set your current heating system thermostat 2 or 3 degrees cooler
than the Well-Connect thermostat set point. If the Well-Connect is then
unable to maintain its setpoint temperature, the other system will come on to
provide additional heat to the space.
If there is a central cooling system, set that thermostat 2 or 3 degrees warmer
than the Well-Connect thermostat to provide additional cooling only when
the Well-Connect cannot meet the demand by itself.
In any case, keep in mind the Well-Connect will be the most efficient system
to operate, and therefore the greatest benefit will be realized if it is allowed
to do as much of the heating and cooling as possible.
5. UNATTENDED USE
If you are using your Well-Connect in a building that has limited use in cold
weather (such as a camp or cottage), Terra Caloric recommends that the
thermostat be powered by a hardwired source (not just batteries). This will
ensure that your heating system will continue to run throughout the cold
weather season. The thermostat should be set to no less than 50 degrees.
6. REQUIRED MAINTENANCE
Proper maintenance of your Well-Connect is critical to ensure your system
operates as efficiently as possible. While some maintenance procedures are
quite simple and safe, others are more involved and could be hazardous if
performed incorrectly. Most contractors offer a complete maintenance
program that can be purchased at any time; contact your installer for details.
Note: Before conducting any maintenance, be sure that you are
competent and qualified to perform the maintenance required. If you
have any doubt about your ability to perform a specific maintenance
operation, contact a competent HVAC professional.

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EVERY THREE MONTHS:
Air Filter: There is an air filter on the back of the Well-Connect. The Well-
Connect will not operate optimally with a dirty filter. Terra Caloric
recommends that you regularly monitor this filter and replace it as needed,
usually every three (3) months. Every installation is unique and some may
need to be changed more often. To remove the filter, simply slide it out.
Replacement filters can be obtained from your local hardware or building
supply store. Use only pleated filters similar to the one that came with your
Well-Connect.
Water Hose Connections: The water hose connections should be visually
inspected for any sign of leaks or damage to the hoses and connectors on
each end (Figure 3). Any signs of leaks or damage MUST be addressed
immediately to avoid possible water damage to your home or building.
Figure 3
WARNING: If there is evidence of water leaking from inside the cabinet
of the Well-Connect, turn it off, pull the plug from the wall and then
shut off the water supply to the Well-Connect. Contact your HVAC
contractor for instructions on resolving the problem. DO NOT remove
any cabinet panels unless the unit is disconnected from the power
source.

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EVERY SIX MONTHS:
Thermostat: If using a battery powered thermostat, check the batteries and
replace them according to the schedule suggested by the thermostat
manufacturer.
OTHER COMPONENTS:
Sediment Filter
Every Well-Connect comes with a spin-down style sediment filter in a clear
canister (Figure 4) which should be installed somewhere in the water supply
line such that it will filter out impurities before they reach the Well-Connect.
This filter should be inspected every few months and cleaned if necessary.
(This filter does not need to be replaced, simply cleaned.) Much like the air
filter, every home is a little different and therefore the frequency with which
it must be cleaned may vary significantly.
Figure 4
To clean the filter, turn the Well-Connect off and open the valve at the
bottom of the filter, shown in black above.
NOTE –water will spray out! Do this over a bucket, or run a hose from
the bottom of the valve to an appropriate location!

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In most cases, the force of the water will flush the sediment off the surface
of the filter. Close the valve again and you’re done!
However, if the debris does not break loose, you may need to physically
remove the filter to clean it. To do this, shut off the water valves on BOTH
sides of the filter. Carefully unscrew and remove the clear canister. The filter
itself may then be pulled straight out and gently cleaned with a brush.
7. STORING A WELL-CONNECT
Before storing your Well-Connect, disconnect the power and water lines and
purge all water from inside the unit. Remove the batteries from the
thermostat (if applicable), and store your Well-Connect in a dry indoor
environment only.

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8. TROUBLESHOOTING
Problem
Possible Cause
Solution
The Well-Connect will
not run at all on a call for
heating or cooling.
No power to unit or
weak thermostat signal.
Different house codes
in thermostat and
receiver.
Verify that the Well-Connect is connected
to power and there are fresh batteries in the
thermostat. If using a wireless thermostat,
move it closer to the thermostat receiver.
Consult thermostat owner’s manual for
house code programming procedure, if
applicable.
The Well-Connect runs
briefly then shuts off; the
green High Pressure
error light is on.
The Well-Connect is
tripping on high
refrigerant pressure due
to insufficient airflow
(heating mode only).
The Well-Connect is
tripping on high
refrigerant pressure due
to poor heat exchanger
performance (cooling
mode only)
A high-pressure condition in heating mode
indicates an inability to reject heat to the
air. Ensure there are no obstructions to the
airflow; change the filter if needed. If the
problem persists contact an HVAC
technician.
A high-pressure condition in cooling mode
indicates an inability to reject heat to the
well water. If the problem persists, contact
a competent HVAC technician.
View indicator lights through the clear
plastic lens on the lower front panel. DO
NOT OPEN THE CONTROL BOX
UNLESS YOU ARE QUALIFIED!
Unless You!

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Problem
Possible Cause
Solution
The Well-Connect runs
briefly then shuts off; the
amber Low Pressure
error light is on.
The Well Connect is
tripping on low
refrigerant pressure due
to loss of refrigerant,
insufficient airflow, or
low return air
temperatures (cooling
mode only)
The Well-Connect is
tripping on low
refrigerant pressure due
to loss of refrigerant or
poor heat exchanger
performance (heating
mode only)
A low-pressure condition in cooling mode
indicates an inability to absorb heat from
the air. Ensure there are no obstructions to
the airflow; change the filter if needed.
Also make sure the incoming air is above
65F (18C). If the problem persists,
contact a competent HVAC technician.
A low-pressure condition in heating mode
indicates an inability to absorb heat from
the water. If the problem persists, contact a
competent HVAC technician.
The Well-Connect runs
briefly then shuts off; the
red Water Flow error
light is on.
The Well- Connect is
tripping due to
insufficient water flow.
Reasons for loss of water flow include loss
of supply water pressure, an obstruction in
the supply or discharge water line, or
excessively low water temperatures
resulting in a freezing condition in the heat
exchanger (in heating mode). Ensure there
is sufficient water flow through the unit,
and incoming water temperatures are
above 45F (7C).
The Well-Connect runs
briefly then shuts off; the
yellow Condensate
Overflow error light is
on.
The Well-Connect is
tripping due to a
condensate overflow
condition (cooling
mode only).
In cooling mode, a condensate overflow
condition may arise if there is a blockage
in the condensate pan or drain piping, a
failure of the condensate pump, or
excessive pressure in the discharge line.
Unplug the Well-Connect and remove the
left side panel to inspect the condensate
lines. Clean if needed. If the problem
persists, contact an HVAC technician.

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Problem
Possible Cause
Solution
The Well-Connect runs
but capacity seems
noticeably diminished.
The Well-Connect is
low on refrigerant or
has a fouled heat
exchanger.
If the problem persists, contact a
competent HVAC technician.
The Well-Connect fan
runs, but the compressor
does not even though the
thermostat indicates a
heat or cool run
command is present.
The anti-frost switch on
the air coil vapor line
has tripped.
The compressor run
capacitor has failed.
The Well-Connect is equipped with an
anti-frost switch that opens (breaking the
run command to the compressor) if the air
coil vapor line gets near freezing, to
prevent a block of ice from forming on the
air coil in instances where there is either
too little airflow in cooling mode or the
return air is too cold. This switch may also
trip if the Well-Connect has been sitting in
a cold location where the ambient
temperature is at or near freezing. Once
tripped, the switch will not close again
until it is above 50F (10C).
If the compressor run capacitor has failed,
the compressor will not be able to start.
When this happens, it will hum briefly,
then shut down on an internal overload
which will automatically reset
periodically. If you suspect this is what’s
happening, turn off power to the Well-
Connect until a replacement capacitor is
available. Contact your local HVAC
technician or the Terra Caloric office for
more information.
If the control board is operating in normal mode, the green Status LED will be blinking to
indicate power is applied to the board and the controller is in normal operation. The board
will go into lock out mode if the incoming power is plus or minus 20% from nominal
voltage. NOTE: Power cycling the unit will clear a fault lockout, however doing so
repeatedly without addressing the root cause of the lockout may result in severe damage to
the unit. Either remedy the cause of the lockout promptly, or turn the unit off at the
thermostat while waiting for a service technician to address the issue.

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