What is what to do when heat pump freezes up?

When a heat pump freezes up, it's usually due to ice buildup on the outdoor coil. Here's what to do:

• First, don't panic! Some ice buildup is normal during the defrost cycle. The heat pump is designed to handle a certain amount of ice.

• Check the Defrost Cycle: Observe if the heat pump is entering its <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/defrost%20cycle" >defrost cycle</a>. It should run periodically (typically every 30-90 minutes) for a short time. During this cycle, you might see steam rising from the unit. If the defrost cycle isn't running, it's a problem.

• Check Airflow: Make sure the <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/airflow%20obstructions" >airflow obstructions</a> aren't present around the outdoor unit. Clear away any snow, leaves, or debris blocking the coil.

• Adjust Thermostat (Temporary Measure): If the unit is heavily iced and not defrosting, switch your thermostat to emergency heat (auxiliary heat). This shuts off the heat pump and uses a backup heating source (usually electric resistance heat). This is a temporary fix and will be more expensive to run.

• Run in "Fan Only" Mode (Briefly): Sometimes, running the indoor fan in "on" or "continuous" mode can help distribute the heat and slightly reduce the ice buildup by encouraging more airflow. Only do this briefly as you don't want to put excessive strain on your backup heat source.

• DIY Thawing (Use Caution): You can try to manually thaw the ice with a garden hose using lukewarm water if you're comfortable doing so and the unit is easily accessible and if outdoor temperatures are above freezing. Never use hot water or sharp objects to remove ice. Turn off the heat pump at the breaker before doing this and make sure the water drains away and does not pool around the unit.

• Call a Professional: If the ice buildup is excessive, the defrost cycle isn't working, or you're uncomfortable troubleshooting yourself, call a qualified <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/HVAC%20technician" >HVAC technician</a>. The problem could be a faulty defrost timer, a bad reversing valve, a refrigerant leak, or other issues requiring professional diagnosis and repair.