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Heat Pump Ices Up In Winter Heat pumps
do ice up in winter. It is normal
for the entire coil to be covered in a white
frost or even light ice during certain
weather conditions. Heat pumps will naturally
ice up in winter but will periodically go into
a defrost cycle to defrost the coils. This
keeps the unit running efficiently.
It is not normal however, for the entire
unit to be encased in ice for an extended period
of time. Proper heat transfer between the outside
air and the freon can not occur if the coils are
blocked by ice. This would indicate a problem
and should be addressed quickly to avoid serious
damage to the equipment.
Different heat pumps have different ways of determining
when to go into defrost. Some are mechanical;
others use solid state controls with temperature
sensors but all must go into defrost to keep from
icing up.
There are many other reasons why a heat
pump can ice up. Listed below are some of them.
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 or snow.
- Condenser platform
has sunk-nowhere for ice to melt and drain.
- Leaking gutter dripping
water onto top of unit.
- Freezing rain-causes
top of unit to freeze over. If this happens
rest of unit will also freeze over.
- Defective defrost
control or timer.
- Defective defrost
thermostat or sensor.
- Defective defrost
relay.
- Sticking reversing
valve.
- Defective reversing
valve solenoid.
- Defective outdoor
fan motor.
- Low refrigerant charge.
- Refrigerant 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 Comfort
and 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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