Help! My Heat Pump is Covered in Frost
If you have a heat pump, you may have noticed that it tends to accumulate frost here and there. A little frost or ice is probably nothing to worry about, but if your home’s temperature starts to drop and you step outside only to find your outdoor unit completely encased in ice, then Houston, we have a problem.
An heavily iced unit usually means there is some type of malfunction with your equipment, and you should turn off your system and reach out to your local HVAC professional right away to prevent damage. However, if your main concern is just a bit of frost, you may be able to resolve this common issue on your own.
Read on to learn more about why heat pumps experience this common issue and how to troubleshoot your frostier-than-Frosted-Flakes outdoor unit.
Why is My Heat Pump Freezing Up?
Heat pumps will naturally accumulate frost in the winter but are designed with defrost cycles to de-ice the coils and outdoor components. This keeps the unit running normally and efficiently. If the heat pump’s coils are blocked by ice, then it cannot generate heat. What generally causes a heat pump to get frosty in the first place is outdoor dew point.
As you probably know, dew point refers to the temperature at which humidity in the air changes states and becomes liquid. We’ve all seen our vehicles covered in ice on a crisp winter morning, right? The reason this happens is because:
- The surface temperature of the car was below the dew point of the surrounding air, *and*
- The surface temperature of the car is also below freezing
Just like a car, your heat pump can experience the same thing— especially with Maryland humidity! All heat pumps contain refrigerant (also known as Freon), which can be a few degrees colder than the surrounding outside air. The temperature of the refrigerant inside the heat pump affects the surface temperature of the condenser. If it drops below the dew point and freezing point, you’re going to see frost on your heat pump.
This is completely normal and is nothing to worry about. If you do notice it frosting up, just keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t turn into thick ice.
Other Culprits & How to Troubleshoot
While some frost is to be expected with normal heat pump use, there are some other common culprits that could be causing the unit to frost up more than usual. Here are a few things you can do to troubleshoot an iced-up heat pump on your own:
- Check your system’s air filter, located in the indoor air handler unit. If it looks dirty, it’s time to change it. Air filters should be changed every 1-2 months during peak-use seasons like winter. An icy outdoor unit could be the result of limited airflow.
- Inspect the area surrounding the outdoor unit, and make sure it is clear of debris such as leaves or snow. Just like a dirty air filter, blocked airflow to the outdoor unit can cause icy build-up.
- Inspect the base of the unit. Has it sunken into the ground? If the unit is sunken, this leaves no room for moisture to drain away. While this one is not a quick fix, it is one a heating and cooling expert will be happy to address for you, and basically entails lifting the whole unit and installing a new platform underneath.
- Inspect your gutters and make sure they aren’t leaking or dripping any water on the unit. This can easily cause a build up of frost on top of the unit.
When You Should Call in the Pros
Additional issues can include low refrigerant levels (which usually means there is a leak somewhere in your system), and heat pump components malfunctioning. These are more serious issues that should be left to an HVAC professional. If your heat pump is completely encased in ice, or doesn’t seem to be defrosting enough to allow it to run normally, it is best to reach out to a trusted heating and cooling contractor. Time is of the essence with this sort of thing, and you want to be sure you protect your heating system from long-term damage.
Live in the Chesapeake Bay Area? We’re Here to Help.
Chesapeake Comfort Systems provides repair and maintenance services on heat pumps, furnaces, boilers, and more to the greater Chesapeake Bay are of Maryland and Delaware. We are a reliable, professional HVAC contractor you can trust. Your comfort is our #1 priority. With a passion for service coupled with an extensive knowledge in the industry, we pride ourselves on offering the very best quality and value in heating and cooling service.
From our kind and caring office staff, to our professional technicians with years of HVAC expertise, Chesapeake Comfort Systems is a clear choice for your heating and cooling service needs.
If your home is located in one of our many Service Areas, then Contact Us today to schedule a service visit. We’ll take care of that frosty heat pump in no time!