Rheem Hybrid Electric Water Heater Heat Pump Kicking Out A004 Comp.Shutdown: Discharge-Suction Trip

[@mariocipriano454]

Great video! I have an 80g Rheem heat pump water heater. A few days ago I received alarms for condensation drain clogged even though it wasn't. I noticed the lower section of the coil freezing up. I called Rheem and the person walked me through a diagnostic process with a volt meter. We found the compressor capacitor defective and she also recommended replacing all 3 thermistors(must be a common problem). She shipped the parts and emailed me images and documents to help with replacement. I have been running it in full electric mode since. The parts came in Friday, no charge. I will tackle the repair today and will refer to this video for thermistor replacement. The capacitor replacement looks simple. Thanks for the video!

[@anisotropicplus]

Thanks for your comment and I hope your repairs solve the problem.

[@charlescarlson1290]

I have a question. How long in total did it take to do the job. I’m just about to start the same repair.

[@busterhimself]

I also have to replace the 3 sensors and capacitor. Do you need to short it out before removing it?

[@sealstalkr]

Thank you for the thorough video. I love that you included all the steps you took and then put a recap in the description. It allowed me to quickly verify that the information applied to my situation and having the customer service numbers right in the description saved a bunch of time on my end. Much appreciated.

[@anisotropicplus]

Thanks for watching and your very kind comment.

[@NoelBarlau]

Great job explaining the troubleshooting process and eventual fix. If everyone would share their own stories in this manner, the world would be a better place. Thanks for documenting and sharing.

[@anisotropicplus]

Thanks for your comment.

[@anisotropicplus]

Thanks for your comment I really appreciate it.

[@cowboymcq6711]

Thanks for the locations of these thermostat’s My unit is less than a year old and started alarming constantly because of these the company sent me out the thermostats right away. What a pain to get to these.

[@anisotropicplus]

Thanks for watching and your comment. I hope Rheem’s factory has permanently corrected the problem by now. I like the water heater and it has run ok since I replaced the thermistors on ours.

[@juvilespinola3236]

Thank you for this video, I was able to replace the thermistor myself, saving me hundreds of dollars, when I called for a quote from others. Have a wonderful day!

[@anisotropicplus]

Thanks for watching and your comment.

[@teslamac5348]

Outstanding, thanks. I have new thermistors and will install hen soon. You’ve given me some things to look for. These units are so cheap to run compared to electric or gas. They should be the standard, but some of these growing pains hold back broad adoption. Heat pumps are a mature technology. I hope we see these as the default soon.

[@anisotropicplus]

Thanks for watching and I agree with everything you said.

[@KarenMcCann-o7u]

Thank you! This was very helpful! We keep getting a A104 code with no idea what is going wrong with upper thermistor. We are on our third upper thermistor. I don't think this is the real problem. Wondering if our recirculating pump is causing an issue or electronic board/app????

[@anisotropicplus]

Thanks for watching. The thermistor that is hardest to get to was the one that appeared corroded on our heat pump water heater. Have you replaced all three thermistors shown in the video?

[@bj7859]

Excellent video! I'm looking at putting 2 of these in my new construction home and it sounds like I'll be tackling similar issues in the future. Thanks so much for the detailed explanation and tips. This is what KZbin DIY is all about!

[@anisotropicplus]

Thanks for watching and your very nice comment.

[@davidkendrick3158]

It may be hard to know what solved your problem since you performed 2 changes - you swapped out the thermistors, but you also cleaned the unit. I’m reading a LOT of material that’s saying it’s the accumulated dust found on the coils inside the heat pump that causes the unit to shut off and throw all of the error codes…typically within a year or two depending on the ambient dust levels. The “filter” is fine for stopping larger particles but does very little to prevent the buildup of the smaller stuff. From what I’ve read, there is no mention of cleaning those coils at all in the user manual. In your specific case, seeing the corrosion on one of the parts may be a good indicator, but would love your feedback on the possibility that the coils being dirty was also a contributing factor. Looking at replacing our 20+ year old units in the next month or so and this new system is a real contender. Thanks!

[@anisotropicplus]

Thanks for watching and your excellent comment. Even though I had only recently installed the unit and it was almost new it is in a “dug out” crawl space with me occasionally digging and removing soil and rocks that could produce airborne dust so the probability of dust on the coils was relatively high. There was minimal dust on the filter, but like you said it will only remove larger particles. There was minimal dust accumulation visible so I think the thermistor issue was the likely cause of the error codes. On a different subject I set it up so it will recirculate crawl space air rather than bring in outside air. My thinking was the thermal coupling with the exposed soil and concrete would make it more efficient. Our power bills are noticeably lower and it is doing a good job of dehumidifying the crawl space, but the crawl space is a lot cooler, so much so that it is negatively impacting an indoor garden I set up to grow vegetables. So there are multiple issues to consider when installing a heat pump water heater. Overall I am satisfied with it and would recommend installation of one.

[@RobertWidener-z6f]

Good DIY video thanks, Bob Does anybody happen to know if better insulating of the transmisters would do anything towards extending the life of said transmisters. I have read dozens of comments about "After about a year and a half I got error codes and was sent three new transmisters. I personally are on my second go-round with the Same D=== Problem. I am installing a brand new unit and would like very much to get past the "Year and a half mark" by perhaps better insulation and wrapping the transmisters and piping etc. etc. etc. NOW, FROM THE START". Thanks ahead of time. Bob

[@anisotropicplus]

Thanks for watching and your comment. I have a newer video about a similar problem. Maybe it will help. This is a link. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z4rWeKtueMR2qZosi=ngMdhyNs7dAsB85-

[@guymartz8262]

I replaced the txv outlet thermistor and keep extras on hand. I have found that in an environment of freeze/thaw the water will migrate from the wire leads through the epoxy seal and into the body of the sensor. I installed the replacement with the wire leads going up into the sensor but probably won't make a difference.

[@anisotropicplus]

Thanks for watching and your information.

[@buixote]

Great stuff! First hybrid heater video I've seen with a "duct kit". One thing I found out is that the "major brands" sold at big-box stores are not actually theirs... so the "AO Smith" header I bought had no duct-kit available from the Manufacturer... only the models that are sold by AO Smith Directly *do* . Caveat Emptor.

[@anisotropicplus]

Thanks for your comment. I made this duct attachment using parts I could find at Home Depot and Lowe’s. I had to make my own because the factory duct adapter was unavailable. I made sure the diameter would not add any restrictions to the discharge airflow. I used the adjustable elbows so I could direct it where I wanted the air to go. My concern was you could get an unwanted circular airflow with some of the discharge air finding it’s way into the intake on top which would reduce efficiency.

[@djkenny1202]

Any idea what this is? T007 Comp.Failure Rheem Hybrid Water Heater

[@anisotropicplus]

Thanks for watching and your question. I do not know. I recommend calling Rheem technical support.

[@djkenny1202]

@@anisotropicplus I called, they took me through the codes. Reset it. I washed a VERY dirty filter (until this happened, didn’t know it even a Thing!.. bought the house 5 years ago and it is sitting in a weird corner behind the washing machine). Now, I clean it.. every other month I’m thinking…?

[@anisotropicplus]

@@djkenny1202 Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@howardanthony1443]

Thanks for the video. I believe I have a similar problem. A week ago my daughter was taking a shower and after five minutes or so water turned cold. Same thing happened to my wife this morning yet I also got a message thru Rheem on phone Hardware alarm went off and code A004Comp. Shutdown Discharge-Suction. Trip, Talking to Rheem after some steps he thought It was thermistor. I didn't have multimeter nor was much a techie so I 'll have a pro do It. But this helped. This one Is 2 years old .

[@anisotropicplus]

Thanks for your comment. We run ours in energy saver mode where it runs mostly on the heat pump, but will use the resistance elements as necessary. You can try running in the “ High Demand” mode where it runs primarily off the resistance elements. It isn’t efficient, but may help keep up your hot water level. If you are getting the defect code you will need a Rheem approved technician to repair it. Good luck with it. It definitely saves us money on our power bill.

[@howardanthony1443]

@@anisotropicplus I finally repaired mine, Rheem sent my three thermistors and I found time to replace them. It took me a little longer than I thought as mine was installed on a concrete slab of a couple inches In basement, and the side I had to repair was right near a structural beam so It was tight to say the least. Getting the gunk tape wasn't easy either. I did notice my new thermistors were more of a brass color than the copper ones that were on there. Well she's humming now and back In business. Thanks again for your video It was a great help. Howard

[@cujo7240]

You said this Rheem hybrid water heater had a positive impact on your water heating bills. Did you previously have an electric or gas water heater for comparison?

[@anisotropicplus]

We had two 38 gallon electric resistance water heaters. Since we have a Water Furnace geothermal heat pump one of the water heaters was connected to the desuperheater in the house heating system, but with no electrical connection. I removed both of the existing water heaters after installing the new Rheem hybrid heater. I had not measured the relative difference in total energy consumption, but our power bills appeared to be lower with the Rheem hybrid heater. With changing weather and the fact the desuperheater preheating the water in the original water heater a direct comparison was not easy, but I am comfortable with knowing the inherent difference in efficiency between the heat pump in the new hybrid water heater and the old electric resistance heater. Our house geothermal heat pump is now 19 years old and I think the desuperheater had not been working for some time.

[@NewLightEnergy]

I be had mine in since Dec 27, 2022. I will open my top and putting on a NoLox paste on the copper sensor to aluminum piping contact point. This is used when terminating aluminum wiring into any panel board or sub panel. That’s a big oops on Rheem part.

[@anisotropicplus]

Thanks for watching and your advice on the Noalox paste.

[@charlescarlson1290]

I have very similar issue. My heater worked great for about 1.5 years and then developed possible thermistor issues that are like the ones you detected. The replacement thermistors are in route as I write this comment. One of the issues I had was an icing up of the evaporator coils and subsequent blocking of the air flow passed the evaporation coils coupled with a blockage of the evaporator coil discharge. Hopefully replacing the thermistors works. I’ve already watched the Rheem video on thermistor replacement. I think there’s now a known issue with thermistor performance that occurred during installation. This was a very informative video.

[@anisotropicplus]

Thanks for watching and your comment. Good luck repairing your water heater.

[@waynenestor]

Thanks for the video. Mine just started with the same error. Runs for a bit after shutting off the breaker and resetting it, but comes back soon afterwards. Does anyone have the part number for the thermistors ? Thanks!

[@anisotropicplus]

Call Technical Service at Rheem. They should be able to help you and if it is still under warranty they may be able to send someone to repair it for you. I do not have the part number. Thanks for watching and good luck with your repair work.

[@jenfodaski6511]

I wish Rheem would include a set of Thermistors with each unit, turn around time/lost time would drop a lot.👍

[@anisotropicplus]

Great idea! Even better would be to install good thermistors as original equipment.

[@melissahoskins770]

Thank you for this video. This was exactly our issue after operation for about 9 months. Have you had any additional issues since the fix?We’re worried that even if we get it replaced, we’ll end up back where we started with the copper/aluminum corrosion.

[@anisotropicplus]

Thanks for watching and your comment. So far it has worked great without any issues since I replaced the thermistors. Your question has reminded me that I need to check the filter. Thanks

[@tungtran6858]

Rheem service rep had me pull the display out and check the voltage on the capacitor.. it was 290vac .. he said it’s too low and he’s sending me a new one..

[@anisotropicplus]

Thanks for watching and sharing your comment.

[@zenderxt]

I strongly looked at one of these since we are changing out our 20 year old gas unit, but I read WAYYY too many issues with these for them to have any meaningful payback. We'll run a new gas unit for a few years more and look at these again when they work the bugs out of them.

[@anisotropicplus]

After we replaced the thermistors we have not had any problems for the last year. But I understand your concern. There are more things to break compared to a simple electric resistance or gas hot water heater.

[@zenderxt]

​@anisotropicplus that's good to hear it's been running well after your fixes though. I really wanted to get one of these I think the idea of them is great. I wonder if they had a better filter system if that would help at all?

[@anisotropicplus]

@@zenderxt That is a good question. The simple filter on it looks like it is really just a screen. It does collect dust mainly from my activity digging out the crawl space. I clean it every few months, but it never has been badly clogged.

[@eliasmejias3603]

I have the same problem I like to know where I can buy resistace

[@anisotropicplus]

You should be able to contact the manufacturer and buy parts from them. If it is still under warranty they shouldn’t charge you for the parts.

[@eddie3314]

This was a excellent video on this common issue. Very detailed video if you have this code or codes.

[@anisotropicplus]

Thanks for watching and your comment.

[@mgans27]

Awesome!! I had the same issue and have been avoiding the issue (I just had my 7yo frig die) -Very informative and thanks!!!!

[@anisotropicplus]

Thanks for watching and your comment.

[@8894larry]

Great job explaining & fixing our problem. I've had my Rheem in for 2 years now with no problems. Have you seen the video on replacing the anode?

[@anisotropicplus]

I have seen it. It looked like a good video to me.

[@wt9653]

The best way to find out what is wrong with the hot water heater is to call the Rheem technical support. Per technical support, the error code A004 could be caused by either low refrigerant or bad thermo sensors. My heat gun was sensing the temperature drop. She is sending me 3 thermal sensors for me to replace I found out the labor warranty is only good for the first year. It's up to to replace the parts or hire out to your local repair shop.😮

[@anisotropicplus]

Thanks for watching and sharing your experience.

[@jwhite4]

Agree with others - you should try to reduce the dust (pleated HVAC filter over the air intake). Else it seems like an issue with the coils will be in your future. LOVE you video. Great narration voice, and the graphics on the still photos were fantastic!

[@anisotropicplus]

Thanks for watching and good advice.

[@rickpowell1402]

It will result in a code if you add filtration, the best option is more frequent checks and gently cleaning with evaporator with compressed air.

[@rickpowell1402]

Great vid.@@anisotropicplus

[@jwhite4]

@@rickpowell1402 I've had installed since day one (~3 months now) a HDX (Home Depot) FPR 5 (MERV 8) 1" filter on it. Never had any codes on it. I had some extra's around, which is why I'm using this. If I put in a higher MERV (more restrictive) filter, I could imagine that many cause issues. I can see the part of the (square) filter that's covering the semi-circle inlet opening showing dirt. So it's definitely filtering something. I don't think there's a lot of airflow on the Rheem inlet (compared to a HVAC unit). So smaller particles that would get pulled through an HVAC, and thus could benefit from a higher MERV unit that can filter more - I don't think is needed here. Plus my goal wasn't to eliminate every spec of dirt that might get to the Rheem's air filter. Rather, just reduce as much as possible, in an efficient way. At least for me, this solution seems to do that.

[@anisotropicplus]

@@rickpowell1402Thanks for watching and your comment.

[@peterdiamond775]

Has anyone tryed to bypass those crappy thermisters? What purpose do they serve?

[@anisotropicplus]

Thanks for watching and your comment. I suggest contacting Rheem Tech Service to get the information you want.

[@ryanspaulding2463]

Very solid video, in depth with all the details. Thanks man 💪🫡

[@anisotropicplus]

Thanks for watching and your comment.

[@bradylarson3532]

Fantastic video good Sir! Thank you!

[@anisotropicplus]

I appreciate your comment and thanks for watching.

[@guymartz8262]

Forgot to mention do an ice bath test with a known good thermistor and write down the ohms so you can verify a suspicious one.

[@anisotropicplus]

Thanks for your follow up comment.

[@tomz7714]

Helpful. Thanks.

[@anisotropicplus]

Thanks for watching and your comment.

[@reneeparsons3534]

Thank you for sharing.

[@anisotropicplus]

Thanks for your comment.

[@JohnSmith-gu3ub]

I appreciate the video but none of us should have to be doing this in the first place. I have this model and it's barely two years old with minimal use.

[@anisotropicplus]

Thanks for watching.

[@JohnSmith-gu3ub]

​@@anisotropicplusI just replaced mine and I had the same corrosion on the thermistor that on the aluminum pipe. Thanks again for the video.

[@anisotropicplus]

@@JohnSmith-gu3ub Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@grundlerg]

Got the same A004 error code on mine: Rheem also sent me 3 new thermistors, some crappy instructions, and a link to a different video (this video is way better) which made it sound easy to replace: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e4GUeGyhpb2Si7c It's not easy to access the evap thermistor - just finger tip access - forget trying to reinstall zipties on that one.

[@anisotropicplus]

Thanks for watching and your comment. Yes that thermistor is hard to get to.

[@johnwhite2576]

What a shyte show- why in world should customer have to get up on a ladder and contort themselves to service. A brand new unit? Left unsaid of course is rheem has no ‘authorized’ or even willing repair service ANYWHERE IN THE COUNTRY. Plumbers won’t touch an air conditioner, and hvac firms won’t touch a water heater-catch 22. Anyone can and will install these, nobody will service.

[@anisotropicplus]

Thanks for watching. Make sure the right people at Rheem are aware of your concerns.