Is Your Heat Pump Covered in Ice? Stop Panicking and Try These Tips to Get It Working Again

On a winter morning, the sight of your heat pump covered in ice can strike you like a jolt out of the blue. Rest assured. The situation may not be as bad as you think. It is not unusual for heat pumps to freeze over in winter. When the frost build-up reaches a specific point, the defrost function in the heat pump is automatically activated to melt away the ice.


However, when the heat pump remains covered in frost for long periods and the automatic defrost function does not kick in, it is an indication that something is off with your heat pump. Get it checked by heat pumps services professionals in Hampton as soon as possible to prevent irreversible damage.


Here is a closer look into why frost forms on heat pumps and how to deal with it.


Why does your heat pump get covered in ice?

A heat pump features a refrigerant that is usually cooler than the temperatures outside. When the humidity levels are high, the excess moisture content in the outdoor air gets quickly cooled by the refrigerant, and it accumulates as frost on the coils. On extremely cold days, this accumulation level can be rather high and can affect the proper functioning of the heat pump.


Why do heat pumps usually freeze up?

When there is more than usual ice accumulation on your heat pump and the defrosting function either does not work or is not effective in melting the ice, you have got a problem on your hands. The reasons for this could be many, such as:

  • Low refrigerant levels
  • The air filter is due for replacement
  • Damage in any component such as the refrigerant metering system, temperature sensor, or thermostat
  • The condenser coils or the blades of the blower fan may be blocked due to ice
  • The reversing valve may be jammed
  • Breakdown of the outdoor blower motor
Heat pumps services in Hampton | why do heat pump freeze

If you are not technically inclined, you may have a hard time figuring out the actual issue. For this reason, it is highly recommended that you consult HVAC professionals working with heat pumps services in Hampton. These experts will be able to precisely pinpoint the issue with your heat pump and provide quality maintenance.


Troubleshooting tips


A frozen heat pump does not necessarily mean it is a total lost cause. You can try these tips to see if it gets going again:


  • If the air filter seems damaged or dirty, replace it with a new one.
  • Try to gently remove frost build-up on the heat pump by spraying water from a garden hose. Do not use a sharp object to chip away the ice as it may break sensitive components within the heat pump.
  • Make sure that the air vents are not blocked.
  • Clear away grass, snow, or leaves from around the heat pump to improve airflow.
Heat pumps services in Hampton | Troubleshooting tips

If none of these tips seem to help, your heat pump is apparently in trouble and requires the services of heat pump professionals in Hampton.


Final word


If you see your heat pump is covered in ice, wait for about 4 hours to see if it defrosts on its own. If the frost accumulation remains unchanged even after that time, try any of the above tips.


When your troubleshooting efforts do not make a difference to the ice accumulation on the heat pump, it is best to seek the help of a heat pumps services expert in Hampton. If the issue is a minor one, the HVAC professional will easily get the heat pump up and going in no time. And if the problem turns out to be a serious one that may keep recurring in the future, the expert will offer you affordable replacement options.

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