Saxon SolarStar Heat Pump Questions & Answers

E1 - Tank temp sensor open/short circuit E2 - Compressor temp sensor open/short circuit E3 - Evaporator temp sensor open/short circuit E4 - Compressor over temperature E5 - Compressor current overload

Steven, I also have a paper copy of the manual, I just don't seem to be able to share it on here. I can try get a copy to you some how if you like?

You will need a refrigeration tradesman with a pump etc. to do that.

Any electrician contractor could fix that.

With my limited experience of this particular Heat Pump, I have found that in the vast majority of cases, when the water ceases to heat, try replacing the capacitor. This seems to be the weak component in the entire system. An electrical/aircon store should stock them but make sure the replacement is identical in value to the current one not functioning. Check my previous response/s which has/have the correct specs which are stamped on the cylinder. The capacitor is about the size and shape of a 200ml midget can of Coke. Easy to replace but ensure power is isolated from heat pump.

Hi Ross, The location of the temperature adjuster is inside the two tone plastic box on the RHS of the outside component. From memory, the temperature displays in red digital figures and taped inside the lid is a small diameter round wooden dowel which is used to press the upper or lower buttons to set the temperature. I believe the default temp should be about 65 degrees. If the unit is continuously on, it could be a thermostat problem (not sure on location). I previously replied to a similar problem some time back regarding no hot water. My unit was manufactured in June 2009 which makes it 10 yrs old. The only maintenance in that time has been replacement of the capacitor, also previously discussed. Periodically, operate the overflow valve. Great you have hot water but running continually could mean a large power bill. Try switching off at fuse board for 30 mins or so then on again. Seems to work with computers and NBN. Cheers.

The relief valve should be operated periodically just like solar hot water systems or any other system with a pressure relief valve. From my own experience and that of others and in the vast majority of cases, a simple fix seems to be the replacement of the capacitor which is cheap and cheaper. Meaning from China is the cheapest but the longest wait. From Australia is a bit dearer but quicker. Aircon/ Electrical outlets appear to be the best bet or Ebay where I obtained my capacitors. To maximise safety, turn off power at fuse/switch board for the hot water service. There are two main large components. One is the water storage with overflow valve and the other is the fan and motor with electrical connections etc and it also contains the capacitor. The capacitor is located in the top right front as you look at fan opening. It is about the size of a mini can of soft drink (200mls) and is held in place by a circular bracket. Easy to take out and replace. To ensure you have the correct value, take the old unit with you if you are purchasing from a local supplier. The Heat Pump is like an Aircon in reverse. I purchased off Ebay and Australia Post was the carrier but unfortunately, the two capacitors purchased went from Sydney to Perth to Sydney then to South Coast NSW when I live. This took weeks. OZ Post's caused the delay but I eventually received them which are now both spares. An aircon technician cost me a bit over $100 to attend and replace the capacitor but I was able to observe him so know exactly what to do. Hate dealing with electricity as I cannot see it but that's just me. Aircon technician tested old capacitor, found it faulty, installed new one (if you do the replacement ensure the electrical connection fit exactly as they were with old capacitor. There are two double connections on top but only three wires to be connected as the old one), reconnected power, took about 20 mins to start working through fan etc and about 4 hours later, I had the hottest water we had experienced. With this system, the capacitors seem to have a life span of 8 to 9 years. Other system components seem to last longer especially the large tank. Look at my earlier submission re checking water temperature etc. Hope you resolve your problem.

Thank you Dave

Not sure what you mean by noise. Is it associated with fan operating or from another component of the heat exchanger section? In the case of my heat pump when the water was not heating, the fan was heard attempting to engage but then it would click, wait a short period then attempt to engage with no luck. I assume that was the capacitor on it's last legs trying to do it's job. When a new capacitor was installed, everything worked correctly and water heated. Don't forget, if the cover to the temp regulator (temp setting buttons and actual red digital temp reading) on end of fan container is taken off, you can see what temp setting is. I believe it should be around 65 degrees. At no stage, did my unit make strange sounds. The fan just did not engage and water did not heat. The fan possibly operates on bearings or bushes to maintain smooth and quiet operation. That may be cause of noise. The noise can be isolated by using a section of garden hose or a cheap mechanic's stethoscope. Have another person try to isolate the source of noise if possible and then you know what you are dealing with.

The start capacitor on the compressor is faulty. Mine did the same. There are details in one of the reviews above on type required. I bought off ebay and fitted myself. Beware it is a capacitor and can be danger of electrocution even with power off.

I agree. The capacitor is like a storage booster to kick start the system. You need the system to be kicked started, not your body. Dave B.

Have you replaced the Capacitor? That’s why we had no hot water, an electrician fixed ours

Sorry Paul J but our model was not able to show error codes what is the problem with yours??

Page 18 and 19 of the installation manual describe how to set the time for heating. The display is inside the top of the fan unit. See Fig 12 on page 20

external link 

This link is now broken. Any chance you could share your copy please?

If you're based in Brisbane give [name removed] a ring from Performance Heat Pumps mobile 0400 688 430. He really knows his stuff and is prompt and reliable.

Thanks Bec, unfortunately we live in Townsville, North Qld. !!!

Did you end up f8nding a solution to your fan problem. Because I had the same issue some months back

Yes, thanks. A friend of mine located a new fan out of Sydney. It was exactly the same as the original one installed by Saxon. His son, a registered electrician, fitted it and the system was working again within ten minutes.

For error codes E090 to E150 the manual says to change the PCB