Dealing with an Iced-Up Heat Pump in the Winter
Frost usually forms on the heat pump unit, especially during the winter. Too much ice, though, can damage your heating system and cause it to stop working altogether. Comfort Zone of North Florida Inc., your trusted HVAC contractor, explains when you should worry about your heat pump icing up.
How Your Heat Pump Ices Up
It’s normal for frost to form on the coils of a working heat pump. The refrigerant gas condenses when it meets the outdoor coil. In winter, this condensation will freeze and the coil will collect a layer of frost or thin ice. Despite this, the defrost cycle keeps the pump working. As long as the condensing fan motor can pull air into the unit, there’s no need to worry.
When Ice Buildup Is a Problem
If the defrost cycle doesn’t work well or quickly enough, the unit can malfunction. Coils that are completely blocked by ice cannot extract cool air from the home. This will also decrease the system’s heat output capacity considerably. Continuing to run the heat pump in this case may cause further damage. Fan blades can break, coils can malfunction, refrigerant can leak and other parts can get damaged. Avoid serious damage and wasted energy consumption by hiring commercial HVAC service providers to address this problem.
What to Do
If your heat pump has iced up or doesn’t defrost enough, there are a couple things you can do. First, make sure that the air filter is in good condition and replace it if it’s full of buildup. Next, clear the condensing fan of any leaves or debris that may block regular function. If no air output is coming through the vents, this could mean a problem with the blower motor. Call your trusted heating repair company for help.
Comfort Zone of North Florida offers the best commercial air conditioning service available in the area. We also have some of the most durable HVAC products from the most reputable names in the industry. We serve home and business owners in Jacksonville, FL, and other nearby areas. Call us at (904) 406-0070 or fill out our contact form for a consultation.