What is wrong with my heat pump? Is this normal?
This is not normal and needs to be repaired. Your heat pump has 3 cycles:
1. Heating
2. Cooling
3. Defrost Cycle
In the winter months your heat pump transfers outdoor cold air into a warm, comfortable environment inside your home. However, when the temperatures outside drop below freezing, the moisture in the air freezes on your outdoor heat exchanger, creating an icy layer on the fins. Your heat pump senses the formed ice and engages the defrost cycle to protect the unit from damage and inefficient operation. The defrost cycle may take on average about 5 minutes, during which time you may experience cooler air flowing through your vents. Your system is designed with a timer and relay and most systems average defrost cycle about every 30 – 60 minutes in winter conditions. It is best to leave the system on to complete the cycle. A thin layer of ice is manageable by your system, but could indicate a failing part. A block as seen in the picture above is not manageable and indicates a part has failed. Without repair, your system will experience inefficiency and turn over to emergency heat using more energy, robbing you of your hard earned dollars and eventually fail. Some causes of an ice blocks forming are:
-refrigerant leak
-damaged or dirty coil (from lack of maintenance or covered with dirt, grass, leaves or other yard debris.)
-failed reversing valve
-wiring issue
-failed thermostat
-failed or improperly installed fan or motor
-failed relay
-failed capacitor
-failed relay
-failed or improperly installed defrost control board
Keep your comfort system maintained annually by a qualified technician to reduce failures and ensure efficient and proper operation. Always keep your outdoor unit free from debris and snow for proper airflow. Do not attempt to break the ice free because it could damage the fragile fins. Call a professional to repair it. 757-430-0358
