The HVAC unit was putting out heat when it was set for cooling because the thermostat wasn’t properly set up for a heat pump; the thermostat can’t engage the reversing valve if it isn’t correctly wired for heat pump usage.

Bert quickly notices that the unit was installed in 1989, which is when he was born, so this is a very special service call for him. The data plate at the outdoor unit says that it was installed in 1990, so Bert is dealing with a geriatric unit that was likely charged to beer-can cold. The contactor and capacitor appear to be in decent shape, though.

The indoor unit coil and blower wheel have quite a bit of soil buildup, and the measureQuick readings point to undercharge due to a possible leak. Sure enough, Bert confirms a leak on the evaporator coil. The property owner decides to invest in a new unit instead of repairing the old one.

RIP Bert’s birthday American Standard unit.