Is your heat pump freezing up and blowing cold air around your Mount Pleasant, SC house? Burr!
A heat pump freeze-up can keep you out in the cold – literally.
But don’t let your toes freeze into popsicles just yet. The heating specialists at Mount Pleasant HVAC Company can get you thawed out fast.
We’ll walk through some common culprits behind heat pump freeze-ups. Then diagnose the potential culprit, and we’ll help you safely defrost your system and enjoy warm air once more.
Step One – Disable the Heat Pump
First things first, DO NOT forget to turn OFF your heat pump system. Running it while frozen will cause serious damage.
Turn off power to the heat pump at the circuit breaker panel or unplug window units. This brings the freezing in its tracks.
Possible Causes
You can proceed with troubleshooting with the system turned off. Let’s take a closer look at what causes heat pumps to freeze up to begin with.
Low Outdoor Temperatures
Heat pumps draw warmth from the outside air to warm your home. But when temps drop below 45°F, they can have a hard time pulling in enough heat.
The coils located outside the home (in the condenser unit) become very cold. The moisture from the air condenses and freezes on the coils, forming a layer of frost or ice.
But low outdoor temperatures make for faster, more excessive icing problems.
Low Refrigerant Levels
The refrigerant is the fluid in a heat pump that enables heat transfer. Leaks or insufficient refrigerant charge hinder the transfer of heat.
When there is insufficient refrigerant, the outdoor coils experience significant temperature drops during the evaporation process. Moisture condenses and freezes instantly on the extra cold coils.
Low refrigerant also makes a heat pump less efficient – requiring it to run longer in an attempt to heat your home. This causes even more problems with icing.
Failed Defrost Sensors or Controls
Heat pumps do have a defrost cycle to melt off accumulated ice. Faulty defrost components can cause the System not to defrost.
The ice sheet thickens with age. It obstructs airflow and makes it difficult for the coils to take in outdoor heat. The end result? A frozen heat pump, an icy blast of air inside.
Call for Professional Defrosting & Repair Services
If you notice any of these, call Mount Pleasant HVAC Company for heat pump defrosting services right away.
We utilize specialized techniques to thaw heat pumps safely, such as:
- Making the refrigerant flow in the reverse direction
- This use of hot gases forms by the compressor
- Portable auxiliary heaters
With the system defrosted, our techs determine why it froze up and perform any necessary repairs. This includes:
- Recharging refrigerant
- Fixing defrost unit parts
- Reinforcing the heat pump if required
We get your system defrosted and keep it running to keep your home comfortably warm. No more shivering for you!
Avoid Future Freeze Ups with Proper Use & Maintenance
A few simple steps on your joint can prevent repeat freezing:
- Do not turn the temperature to too high. Keep it at 68°F or lower.
- Use the backup heat if the temperatures drop below freezing.
- Change air filters every month to improve airflow.
- Cut plants/debris obstructing the outdoor unit.
- Get annual tune-ups to keep the heat pump running efficiently.
Regular maintenance by Mount Pleasant HVAC Company ensures peak performance and helps identify problems early before they turn into bigger headaches.
A minor repair also costs a fraction of an emergency defrosting job, and a heat-pump replacement. Preventative care – keeping problems at bay.
Take Action!
Is your heat pump iced over, and you need a professional to defrost your heat pump and perform repairs? The Mount Pleasant HVAC Company team has the experience, equipment, and expertise to help get your system thawed out and up and running quickly!
We’re the HVAC professionals to call for:
- Defrosting heat pumps
- Refrigerant recharging
- Defrost control repairs
- Full installations
- And ALL your HVAC needs!
Don’t let your family nights spend another night freezing from heat pump issues. And contact our experts to be warm and cozy all winter!
Contact us online or by phone at (843-936-0137), 24 hours a day. This is why we are your trusted, leading HVAC services company. Help beat the freeze with Mount Pleasant HVAC Company!