Is The Heat Pump's Outdoor Unit Frozen In Winter? Here Are The Possible Causes
A heat pump's outdoor unit is installed outside the house to allow for optimal performance. However, this setup means the unit is susceptible to freezing during winter. When it gets too cold, you may notice some frost or ice on the unit's exterior. This form of icing up is normal, and it usually goes away when the heat pump runs a defrost cycle. However, if there is a thick layer of frost on the outdoor unit, there is a problem. Below are three potential faults and how to address them.
Leaking Drain Line
If frost forms around the base of your heat pump, your unit has a leaking drain line. The drain line collects condensate from the heat pump and drains it into your home's drainage system. If the line is clogged or damaged, it may leak condensate around your outdoor unit. Because of the low temperatures, the water ices up at the base of the unit. A leaking drain pan or line can cause the heat pump to stop working. Therefore, fix it immediately to optimize the performance of the system.
Faulty Defrost System
The heat pump's defrost system helps get rid of frost and ice buildup on the outdoor unit. When the defrost cycle turns on, the heat pump operates in reverse mode — it temporarily acts as an air conditioner and draws heat to the outdoor unit. Once all the ice melts, the heat pump reverts to heating mode.
Heat pumps have sensors that detect ice buildup and trigger the defrost cycle. If your unit isn't defrosting, there may be a problem with the system. Faulty sensors may fail to detect frost buildup, causing the unit to ice up entirely. Therefore, check and the sensors, relays, and defrost system controls for malfunction.
Worn Fan Motor
Heat pumps have a condenser fan that transfers heat from the outdoor air to the refrigerant for indoor heating. However, in a defrost cycle, the fan blows heat over the coils to melt the ice. If the fan's motor is damaged, the fan won't work. As a result, your system won't complete a successful defrost cycle, which may cause the unit to freeze.
If your heat pump has a faulty fan motor, it won't heat your home. The heat from the outdoors won't get to the refrigerant. Therefore, if your heating system has frost, and it isn't working, you need to check the motor. Also, make sure there is no debris clogging the fan blades and preventing them from rotating.
A frozen heat pump should perform a defrost cycle to get rid of the frost and ice. If your unit isn't defrosting, contact a heating repair service for a diagnosis and repairs.
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