It’s a crisp fall morning, and you’ve just discovered your heat pump covered in ice. You’re probably scratching your head, wondering how a device with “heat” in its name could end up frozen solid. It’s a strange sight, for sure. But thankfully, there are plenty of ways to tackle your heat pump troubles. Let’s look into the world of frozen heat pumps and figure out if you can fix this icy problem yourself or if things require more professional assistance.
Why Is My Heat Pump Freezing Up?
Heat pumps sometimes freeze up, especially during cold weather. This happens when moisture in the air condenses on the outdoor coil and turns to ice. As temperatures drop, this ice can build up quickly. Your heat pump’s defrost cycle usually keeps this ice at bay, but sometimes it can’t keep up. Factors like heavy rain, snow, or extremely low temperatures can overwhelm the system. Air filters clogged with dirt can also restrict airflow, leading to freezing.
Your Heat Pump’s Defrost Cycle
Your heat pump comes equipped with a built-in defrost cycle to combat ice buildup. This clever feature kicks in automatically when sensors detect frost on the outdoor unit. During defrost mode, the heat pump temporarily switches to cooling mode, sending warm refrigerant through the system to melt away ice. You might notice steam rising from your unit — that’s a good sign the defrost cycle is doing its job! While this process is happening, your home stays warm thanks to auxiliary heat. Knowing how this cycle works can help you spot potential issues before they become major problems for your HVAC system.
Troubleshooting Tips for Your Frozen Heat Pump
If you spot ice on your heat pump, you don’t have to panic. There are a few things you can check before calling in the pros.
- First, make sure nothing’s blocking airflow around the outdoor unit. Clear away any snow, leaves, or debris.
- Next, take a look at your air filter — a clean filter helps prevent freezing. If your thermostat has an “emergency heat” setting, try switching to that temporarily. This bypasses the heat pump and uses your backup heating source.
- Check your gutters, too – water dripping onto the unit can cause rapid freezing. If the ice melts and your system seems to be working normally, keep an eye on it. But if the problem persists, it’s time to call in some help.
What You SHOULD NOT Do With Your Frozen Heat Pump
While it’s tempting to take matters into your own hands, there are some definite no-nos when dealing with a frozen heat pump.
- First and foremost, resist the urge to chip away at the ice! You could easily damage the delicate fins of the evaporator coil, leading to costly repairs.
- Don’t try to speed up the defrost cycle by pouring warm water over the unit, either. The sudden temperature change can crack components, and you risk electric shock.
- Avoid covering the heat pump to “protect” it from freezing – this can actually make the issue worse by restricting airflow.
- Lastly, don’t crank up your thermostat, thinking it’ll help. This can overwork your system and potentially cause more damage. When your heat pump freezes and you’re in doubt, give the pros a call.
Schedule Professional Assistance and Watch Your Heat Pump Problems Disappear
When you’re dealing with a heat pump freeze-up, JJ&A Mechanical is here to help. Our team can quickly diagnose the root cause of your heat pump’s freezing issues and address any other problems lurking in your system. We’ll get your heat pump back to peak performance without damaging it, and give you additional tips to prevent ice buildup and other common heat pump troubles.
But what if you don’t have a heat pump? We can do so much more! Our heating and air conditioning services make JJ&A Mechanical your go-to for all things HVAC in Vancouver, BC. We’ve got what it takes to service your boilers, furnaces, and more, and keep your home climate stable no matter what Canada’s weather throws your way. Give us a call, and let’s solve your HVAC headaches together!