Heat Pump Slow/Soft Start

[crokett™]

Are both heat pumps on the generator?  If so, are they trying to start simultaneously on the generator?  If yes, a 5 minute time delay on power up timer would correct that problem.

Yes both are on the generator, or at least can be.  Up till now I turn the breakers off for the upstairs unit if I am on generator power.  When we have lost power in the summer I just turn both off.  sweating is uncomfortable but you won't freeze to death.  its a 10kw unit and is admittedly a bit undersized but a new one is several thousand.  it will start the larger downstairs unit but takes a noticeable hit when it does.  What I am wondering is if the soft/slow start will ramp it up more slowly.

[crokett™]

Do you have Aux heat on you units ?   If my indoor temp drops about 3 degrees below set temp the 15kw aux heat comes on until set temp is reached.  Mine is a whole house heat pump if that makes a difference.  No gas service near.
Where the lines enter the indoor coil the line in temp is about 130f and outlet line temp is 80 when outdoor temp is 17 or over.  Under 17 it drops a little.   It was 8 this morning and inlet was 124f at the coil.   Roly

yes I have aux heat.  the thermostat said it was calling for aux heat, so I dunno.

[crokett™]

HVAC guy came out this afternoon.  As far as the slow start, my unit can't do that.  it has to be a more modern unit designed for it.  He said something about that kind of unit the power gets changed to DC.  They're designed for generators or to be run on battery power.  He checked it and the compressor was putting out enough heat, but the aux heat was not working.  That's why temps weren't getting past 66 the last 2 days.  After some more investigation it turned out the thermostat was connected wrong.  It's a Nest.  Been there a couple years. It was not hooked up correctly.  I'd yell at the installer, but I see him every time I look in a mirror.