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Have you ever seen your heat pump’s outdoor component covered in ice? According to our AC repair experts, this isn’t an uncommon sight. However, this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t be concerned about it. Here’s a quick guide to frozen heat pumps and how to deal with them.
A heat pump uses refrigerant to absorb heat from outside and transfer it indoors. However, on cold days, this process causes the outdoor component of your heater to get cold enough that ice starts forming. Normally, this ice buildup can be removed by the unit’s defrost cycle. The unit uses a backup heating system to keep your home warm until the ice melts and the heater can function normally again.
Your heat pump isn’t supposed to rely too much on its backup heating cycle. According to air conditioner service experts, a slow defrosting process can put a lot of strain on your heat pump’s alternate system, not to mention use up more energy. In some cases, poor airflow can cause the heat pump’s outdoor unit to freeze over, even on warmer days.
Since bad airflow is a major factor that can lead to freezing, experts strongly suggest having your heat pump’s air filter cleaned or replaced on a regular basis. If possible, you can “help” with the defrosting process by removing the ice. A garden hose works best, since prodding the ice with sharp objects could cause damage to the unit’s delicate air fins.
Another way to keep your heat pump from freezing too often is to have it checked by an HVAC technician every few months, preferably before cold weather hits your area. Air duct cleaning experts say that regular maintenance will also help you spot possible HVAC-related problems which could be disastrous at times when you need a perfectly-functioning heat pump the most.
Let us help you keep your heat pump from freezing more than it should! Mechanical Technologies is one of the leading HVAC contractors in the area, and you can call us at (915) 544-1550 or fill out this contact form to request a quote.
