Beat the freeze: how to keep the ice off your heat pump and stay warm
What To Know
- Dirt and debris can build up on the heat pump’s coils, which can reduce their ability to absorb heat and increase the risk of icing.
- A refrigerant leak can reduce the pressure in the heat pump’s system, which can lead to icing.
- A heat pump cover can help protect the outdoor unit from the elements and reduce the risk of icing.
Heat pumps are a highly efficient and cost-effective way to heat and cool your home. However, like any other appliance, they can be subject to occasional issues, such as icing over. When a heat pump ices over, it can significantly reduce its efficiency and even cause it to stop working altogether.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the causes of heat pump icing and provide detailed instructions on how to prevent and resolve this issue.
Causes of Heat Pump Icing
There are several factors that can contribute to heat pump icing, including:
- Low outdoor temperatures: When the outdoor temperature drops below freezing, the moisture in the air can freeze on the heat pump’s coils.
- High humidity: Humid air contains more moisture, which can increase the risk of icing.
- Defrost cycle failure: The heat pump has a built-in defrost cycle that melts any ice that forms on the coils. If the defrost cycle fails, the ice can accumulate and cause the heat pump to stop working.
- Dirty coils: Dirt and debris can build up on the heat pump’s coils, which can reduce their ability to absorb heat and increase the risk of icing.
- Refrigerant leaks: A refrigerant leak can reduce the pressure in the heat pump’s system, which can lead to icing.
How to Prevent Heat Pump Icing
There are several steps you can take to prevent heat pump icing, including:
- Keep the outdoor unit clear of snow and debris: Make sure to shovel snow away from the outdoor unit and remove any leaves or other debris that may have accumulated on it.
- Trim nearby vegetation: Keep trees and shrubs trimmed back so that they do not block the airflow to the outdoor unit.
- Insulate the refrigerant lines: If the refrigerant lines are exposed to cold air, they can freeze and cause the heat pump to stop working. Insulating the lines can help prevent this.
- Install a heat pump cover: A heat pump cover can help protect the outdoor unit from the elements and reduce the risk of icing.
How to Resolve Heat Pump Icing
If your heat pump does ice over, there are a few steps you can take to resolve the issue:
- Turn off the heat pump: The first step is to turn off the heat pump at the thermostat. This will prevent the compressor from running and allow the ice to melt.
- Wait for the ice to melt: It may take several hours for the ice to melt completely. Do not attempt to remove the ice manually, as this could damage the heat pump.
- Turn the heat pump back on: Once the ice has melted, turn the heat pump back on and set it to the desired temperature.
How to Prevent Heat Pump Icing in Extreme Cold
In extreme cold, it is especially important to take precautions to prevent heat pump icing. Here are a few additional tips:
- Run the heat pump continuously: Running the heat pump continuously will help prevent ice from forming on the coils.
- Increase the fan speed: Increasing the fan speed will help circulate the air around the heat pump and reduce the risk of icing.
- Use a heat pump defrost kit: A heat pump defrost kit can be installed to help melt ice that forms on the coils.
Troubleshooting Heat Pump Icing
If you have tried the above steps and the heat pump is still icing over, there may be an underlying problem that needs to be addressed. Here are a few things to check:
- Check the defrost cycle: Make sure that the heat pump’s defrost cycle is working properly. The defrost cycle should run for about 10 minutes every hour or so.
- Check the refrigerant levels: A refrigerant leak can cause the heat pump to ice over. If you suspect a refrigerant leak, contact a qualified technician.
- Check the coils: Dirty coils can reduce the heat pump’s ability to absorb heat and increase the risk of icing. If the coils are dirty, clean them with a soft brush or a vacuum cleaner.
Final Thoughts: Avoiding Heat Pump Icing Woes
By following the tips and advice provided in this guide, you can help prevent heat pump icing and ensure that your heat pump operates efficiently and reliably all winter long.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
Q: Why does my heat pump keep icing over?
A: Heat pump icing can be caused by low outdoor temperatures, high humidity, defrost cycle failure, dirty coils, or refrigerant leaks.
Q: How can I prevent my heat pump from icing over?
A: You can prevent heat pump icing by keeping the outdoor unit clear of snow and debris, trimming nearby vegetation, insulating the refrigerant lines, and installing a heat pump cover.
Q: What should I do if my heat pump ices over?
A: If your heat pump ices over, turn it off and wait for the ice to melt. Once the ice has melted, turn the heat pump back on and set it to the desired temperature.
