Upgrading 2006 Itasca Ellipse Basement Heatpump: Cost, Options, and DIY Tips

[Stevet79]

Hey, has anyone here done upgrades on a basement type heatpump?
The newer heatpump systems are so much more efficient and quiet than the old ones.
It would seem reasonable to replace the old ones with the newer with variable pump and fan.
Just wondering if anyone had done this and if so how, what and where?
Thanks, Stevet79

 

[RayIN]

My old, obsolete RVP 6535 basement heat pump would have to be making a LOT of noise to make me shell-out $4,524.95 For the new universal 6515 model replacement.
RVP is the division of Coleman that sells basement units. Now they only make that universal model. I think adapter parts are available, if not you must fabricate the adapter parts.
Every part in the old RVP units are still available new on the internet. If anyone is not sure of themselves to rebuild the old unit; Shelburn RV in Tn is IMO the best place to have one rebuilt, or a new 6515 installed.

 

[HiBanky]

These units are quite noisy but if yours is making a high-pitched squeal it could be a worn out bronze fan bearing. This can be replaced with a sealed ball bearing and end the requirement to grease it periodically.

Because mine is directly under my bedroom I would love to replace it with a more up to date unit but like RayIN, the price scares me away.

 

[RayIN]

These units are quite noisy but if yours is making a high-pitched squeal it could be a worn out bronze fan bearing. This can be replaced with a sealed ball bearing and end the requirement to grease it periodically.

Because mine is directly under my bedroom I would love to replace it with a more up to date unit but like RayIN, the price scares me away.

I followed Duner's write-up and pulled mine out for servicing. The bronze bushings are supposed to be oiled annually, but my first time was when the unit was 18 years old. The bushings for each motor and the support pillow blocks, took a lot of light oil. I cleaned both evaporator and condensing coil, plus added wiring to move the outdoor fan motor's capacitor into the electrical box with all the others.
One member went so far as to put his basement unit on drawer slides to make servicing easy and convenient. I'll not go that far at 83, it will outlive me now.

 

[tim myers]

If you do not consider yourself handy with things like removing your basement heatpump, Shelburn RV in Cleveland TN is kind of an expert on removing repairing and reinstalling basement units. they rebuilt mine and it is running great.

 

[RayIN]

If you do not consider yourself handy with things like removing your basement heatpump, Shelburn RV in Cleveland TN is kind of an expert on removing repairing and reinstalling basement units. they rebuilt mine and it is running great.

Understated_ "kind of a expert"? IMO they are the best. Shelburne RV Service

Steve79, i have some suggestions to try before spending $4k for a new unit, depending on what's not happening that should.

 

[tim myers]

I agree, but I didn't want to sound too positive, I think Steve and his crew are great at all that they do.