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Wintertime brings many heating difficulties and if you have a heat pump in your home then you may be no stranger to these issues. So today we wanted to take a look at what to do when you find that your heat pump coils are frozen. We are sure that you know that frozen heat pump coils mean no heat in your home. Here is what to do when you find frozen heat pump coils!
What to Do When Heat Pump Coils Freeze
Some ice on the coils is normal, but if your heat pump’s coils freeze up, you need to take action fast.
An air-source heat pump provides very efficient heating for homes in almost all climate zones, although they offer the best performance when temperatures are in the above-freezing range. Even in milder climates, however, it’s possible for the heat pump’s coils to freeze up. When this happens, it puts your system at risk for significant damage and raises energy costs, too.
Why Do Heat Pump Coils Freeze?
During the regular heating operation of a heat pump, it’s normal for a little frost to form on the coils. That’s because, as the heat pump generates heat, the refrigerant takes on a gas form when it reaches the outdoor coil, then it condenses and releases some moisture. Heat pumps are equipped with a defrost component to address the problem and to melt the moisture as it freezes.
However, if the heat pump system malfunctions for some reason and ice build-up on the coil, it acts as a type of insulation, further compounding the problem and allowing the ice to build up even further. The defrost sensor should immediately sense the formation of ice and get to work defrosting the coils.
Some of the problems that can cause coils to freeze include:
• Low refrigerant levels
• A dirty air filter
• Faulty components inside the heat pump, such as a damaged sensor or metering device for the refrigerant
• Dirt buildup on the blower’s fan blades
• A failing blower motor
• Dirty coils
UPDATE
The above talks about issues on older heat pump systems. When using the new Cold Climate Heat Pumps that we offer from Mitsubishi these are not issues. Hyper Heating Mitsubishi systems come with heated pans that allow for proper drainage of water during a defrost cycle. Basically, when the coils start to have any kind of a build-up the system goes into a brief defrost cycle which melts the coil build-up, it then drips into a slightly heated pan and drains.
If you are interested in getting a free estimate and product functioning explanation of the new cold climate heat pumps now available get in touch with us, we’d love the opportunity to show you how these technologies have changed in recent years.
How to Detect Frozen Coils on a Heat Pump
It’s easy to detect frozen coils, but it requires a visual inspection of the coils from time to time. That’s why it’s important that heat pump owners regularly inspect the outdoor coils, especially in winter. The coils may be frozen and you can be completely unaware of the problem — until it’s too late, and your energy bills soar and the system breaks down.
If you see ice buildup on the coils, here’s what you should do:
• Turn off the heat pump, or switch the unit to the backup heating element
• Gently attempt to remove the ice from the coil, but don’t use a sharp tool that could potentially damage the coils
• Slowly pour warm water over the coils to melt the ice
If these steps don’t resolve the problem, call an expert HVAC contractor for help. Even if you’re able to melt the ice, it’s helpful to have a contractor evaluate the system and identify the source of the problem.
Heat Pump Maintenance
One of the best ways to avoid frozen coils on a heat pump involves maintenance. Because multiple issues can cause frozen coils, keeping the heat pump in good shape via annual service appointments ensures that the entire system is operational, and limits the effects of wear and tear. Maintenance also helps keep the system free of dirt buildup, one of the primary contributors that cause coils to freeze.
In addition to maintenance, follow these tips to keep the system running well:
• Don’t let ice and snow accumulate on the outdoor unit. After snowstorms and extreme weather, clear the unit of any accumulation.
• Make sure gutters above the outdoor unit are secure. Avoid letting the water drip out of the gutters and onto the unit to prevent water from leaking into the coils and freezing. An outdoor unit encased in snow and ice can also prohibit airflow, which leads to frozen coils.
• Level the unit. The outdoor unit must be 100 percent level; any tilting of the unit can restrict airflow and hinder the system from draining moisture properly.
Get expert advice about your air-source heat pump, and schedule regular service visits to keep it in tip-top shape.
This article was originally published on angieslist.com. If you have found that you have a frozen heat pump then you will want us to come to take a look at your system to make sure that you are not working against any other issues with your heat pump. Be sure to contact us today!
