Insufficient levels of refrigerant are another typical cause of freezing. If there is insufficient refrigerant, heat pumps are more likely to freeze. Before the advent of winter, it’s a good idea to have a certified HVAC professional inspect your heat pump.
HVAC specialists for furnace installation in Austin, TX, will verify that the pump contains adequate refrigerant.
How to Defrost a Heat Pump?
Since it is normal for a heat pump to build frost throughout the winter, the capacity to defrost is incorporated into every heat pump system. When the defrost control board detects favorable conditions for ice formation, the reversing valve is set into motion.
During the defrost mode, the reserving valve reverses the refrigerant flow from the indoor to the outdoor coil, as it does during the cooling mode. After allowing the heated refrigerant to raise the inside temperature of the outside unit, the condenser unit of the heat pump can be defrosted.
When the defrost mode of your heat pump is engaged, the auxiliary heat in your home is responsible for restoring the temperature to the level previously set on the thermostat. The defrosting process takes approximately ten to fifteen minutes. After that, the heat pump system will run normally, and the defrost mode will be engaged as needed.
Tips to Prevent Ice Buildup On A Heat Pump During Winters
- Maintain a clear area surrounding the system’s external unit
Your heat pump can only operate properly if air freely circulates through it. If the airflow is restricted, it is possible for moisture in the air to freeze on either the evaporator or the condenser coil. To maintain optimal operation of your outside unit, you must keep the surrounding area clear of bushes, trash, and snow.
When sufficient airflow is present, your heat pump will operate most efficiently. Moisture may freeze on the condenser coil or evaporator if the airflow is impeded by vegetation, such as trees and bushes. The next time you are outdoors at your residence, you should inspect your heat pump to ensure that nothing can hinder the airflow.
- Avoid putting the heat pump too close to the ground
A heat pump has no chance when there is an accumulation of moisture in the air, and the temperature is below freezing. If the pump is too low to the ground, there is nowhere for surplus water to drain, and as a result, it freezes over quickly when the temperature drops.
Using a platform to raise the heat pump off the ground and away from the issue is a simple and quick solution.
- Fixing leaking gutters is important
Occasionally, it could be something you have not noticed, such as a gutter for a downpipe overflowing over the heat pump. It could be something altogether else. Rotating the gutter or pipe should only take a second to address the problem.
If you have gutters immediately over your heat pump, you should inspect them thoroughly. The overflowing of gutters can result in excess water leaking onto the heat pump, leading to its freezing. To prevent this from becoming a future issue, ensure that the gutters are clean and properly fastened to the roof.
Conclusion
Contact a professional HVAC technician if you cannot detect the problem independently. Call Alpine Heating & Air Conditioning if you face any heat pump or HVAC system issues. We also provide furnace replacement in Austin, TX.