| Steam
Coming From My Outdoor Unit When new
heat pump owners first think they see steam coming
from their heat pump, they are sure the outdoor
fan is burning up. This feeling is further enhanced
when the motor also stops running.
Don't worry, this is a good thing.
It is your unit going into its defrost mode.
It happens regularly during the heating season.
The outdoor coils tend to frost or ice-up during
the winter. This causes the unit to lose efficiency.
By regularly defrosting itself, the heat pump
runs more efficiently.
When the unit goes into defrost, several things
happen. First, the outdoor fan stops running.
This helps build up more heat to melt the ice.
Also the reversing valve shifts from the heating
mode to the air conditioning mode. Temporarily
making the outdoor unit a condenser, the hot refrigerant
passing through the coils accomplishes the necessary
defrosting. At the same time, the supplemental
heat is energized to temper the otherwise cold
air that would be blowing into the house.
At first glance this seems bizarre to say the
least (running the airconditioning and heating
at the same time) but it usually is only for a
few minutes at a time and only when needed.
If your unit is constantly going into defrost,
this could indicate a problem.
Below is a list of possible causes. Items in
blue can be addressed
or fixed by the homeowner. Those in red
usually require a service call.
- Outdoor coil blocked-possibly
with leaves
- Defective defrost control
- Defective defrost sensors
or thermostats
- Defective outdoor fan
motor
- Low refrigerant charge
or a restriction
Hope this has been of some assistance, however
they are just rough guidelines and not all possible
conditions are covered.
Remember: The
company You Choose To Install and Service
Your System Will Determine The Degree of Comfortand
Satisfaction You Enjoy.
Excerpts of the preceding information has been
compiled by Hannabery
HVAC, which has graciously permitted us to
include them on this web site as a service for
all homeowners.
These
"Common HVAC Problems" are provided FREE and as
a consequence Climatemakers does not assume any
liability resulting from any information we provide.
In all cases where there is any possibility of
injury, consequential damage, direct damage to
your equipment or when recommended by the equipment
manufacturer, your system should be repaired ,
inspected or maintained by a qualified technician.
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