Do You Have a Frozen Heat Pump?

We’ve just had some winter weather so you may want to take a look at your heat pump. It’s normal to notice some frost or ice has accumulated on your unit’s outdoor coils this time of year. Typically, this is resolved when the heat pump shifts into defrost mode. Heat pumps run an occasional defrost cycle for the purpose of removing ice that may have built up. When the system detects ice, it briefly will switch onto the cooling mode. This reverses the flow of refrigerant in the system sending hot refrigerant through the outdoor coils which melts the ice. While this is happening, a supplemental set of heating units continues to keep the indoor air warm. If the heat pump freezes over completely, however, you must call in a professional. There are a few things you can do on your own to help keep your heat pump from freezing over completely. First, remove leaves, snow, dirt, sticks and other materials that could be blocking the outdoor coil and interfering with airflow and operation. Make sure that your gutters aren’t leaking or overflowing sending water dripping down onto your heat pump. Also, after a snow or freezing rain, melt the ice from around the unit with a garden hose to remove any icy accumulation.
These simple steps will go a long way in preventing issue with your unit completely freezing over. Remember though, if your heat pump freezes frequently, it means there is a problem with your unit that must be addressed by an HVAC contractor to avoid serious damage. If you are having trouble with your heat pump freezing over or any other issues call MTB Heating and Air Today.