During the winter, the outside compressor/condenser of your heat pump is exposed to the harsh elements, and it’s natural to see a light buildup of frost or ice on the heat pump coil now and then. But that being said, you really want to avoid a frozen heat pump. Under normal circumstances, when a heat pump ices up the defrost cycle kicks in. If, however, the coil gets encased in heavy ice, the transfer of heat between the outside air and the refrigerant within cannot occur, and you’ll need to call for service. Read on for an explanation of why a frozen heat pump may happen and how to avoid it in the future.
There are a number of issues that can contribute to a frozen heat pump, many of which can be prevented through regular annual maintenance. Some possible problems include:
- A bad defrost timer or control
- A bad defrost relay
- A broken outdoor fan motor
- An insufficient refrigerant charge
- A reverse valve that is sticking
- A broken sensor or defrost thermostat
- A broken solenoid coil on the reversing valve
Problems you may be able to troubleshoot yourself:
- A blocked outdoor coil. Clear away any leaves, snow, ice or other debris from on, around and under the unit.
- A leaky gutter is dripping onto the compressor/condenser. Repair or clear the gutter.
- Freezing rain has coated the top of the unit with ice. This may cause the rest of the unit to freeze over as well. Turn the unit off and remove accumulated ice with a garden hose. Never attempt to remove ice with a sharp object as you may damage the unit.
- The compressor/condenser has settled into the ground. The solution is to elevate the heat pump by using blocks or special feet, but this adjustment should be performed with the help of a technician.
If you experience a frozen heat pump this winter, call the experts at Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning for prompt, professional service. We have more than 50 years of combined experience, and are proud to serve the residents of the Lorain, Erie and Cuyahoga counties.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Lorain, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about frozen heat pumps and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning
1 (440) 246-5440
Serving the Lorain, OH Area