Crankcase heater
A crankcase heater is an electric resistance heater installed on the compressor’s crankcase in an HVAC system. Its purpose is to prevent liquid refrigerant from mixing with the compressor oil by keeping the refrigerant in a vapor state. This helps protect the compressor from damage caused by refrigerant-oil dilution, especially during colder weather or when the system is not running. While some newer cooling systems may not need crankcase heaters, they are commonly required for heat pumps to ensure proper operation and longevity.
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