What Should You Do if Your Heat Pump Freezes Up?

Has your heat pump become the target of the freezing cold weather? As much of a chilling inconvenience as this is, the solution is quite simple! With winter at its peak in Virginia, most of us face similar issues. So, if you find your outdoor heating unit frosted, do not panic. This is a seasonal occurrence; we have the perfect solution to help you thaw out the ice.

In this guide, our Solutions Heating and Cooling experts will underline troubleshooting options for you and provide quick ways to help you resolve them. If understanding the issue becomes difficult, remember we are a quick call away to help get your frozen pump sorted in no time.

Before contacting us, grab your favorite drink and take a moment to read this article. You might find helpful DIY steps to transform your home into a warm haven. Of course, our professionals are on standby, ready to assist you whenever you need it!

Why Does the Heat Pump Freeze Up?

Having a light layer of frost on your heat pump is completely normal, but complete icing over the coils or heating unit is alarming. The layer of ice causes trouble in the pump’s operation. In some extreme situations, the outdoor unit might get encased in ice blocks. The icy surroundings can collapse the coils and then ruin the entire cooling system. A list of potential issues includes the following:

• A unit that hasn’t been properly maintained might have too much refrigerant or a low refrigerant charge, both of which can lead to potential freezing issues.
• The defrost cycle isn’t working and does not begin working after the timer is open.
• Heavy rain or freezing rain and sleet during extreme temperatures can almost immediately turn into ice, causing the pump to freeze.

Exploring Troubleshooting Options for Your Heat Pumps

Are you having trouble identifying the issues that your heat pump might be undergoing? The best way to confirm the source of the problem is to begin the troubleshooting process. Below are some reasons why a heat pump might stop working due to excessive cold temperatures.

Give it Some Time:  

While light frosting on your heat pump is normal, the frost should be evenly distributed—not thicker in some spots and lighter in others. In the attached image, one of our technicians captured a heat pump system that’s completely frozen solid—way too much ice! This is a clear sign of system issues that need attention.

Our experts believe that you should wait and have some patience. Give your heat pumping system at least 3-5 hours to thaw. Your system should then kickstart, and you’ll gradually see a change in your home’s temperature. However, if this solution does not work, then the following should be your next course of action:

• If you have a frozen unit, you will need to call a professional. Even if you though it yourself, the issue that caused it to freeze will quite likely manifest itself again.
• A professional from our team will schedule a visit to check your heat pump and underline the issue with the system.
• We also recommend getting a regular HVAC service to streamline the working of the heat pump. During our regular HVAC service, our team comes and does a follow-up check to eliminate any rising problems to help you avoid any issues. This way, your system will run smoothly throughout the year.

Manual Initiation of the Defrosting Cycle

Enabling the defrosting cycle manually is also an option; it works by reversing the valve to air conditioning mode. This turns the outdoor fan off and the evaporator outdoors into a condenser. Following the process stated previously, the high-pressure refrigerant is warmed up, melting the ice as soon as it circulates through the outdoor coil.

Important Disclaimer: If you choose to attempt this, be aware that it is extremely dangerous, as you will be working around live high-voltage electricity. Safety should always come first.

• Although the heat pump typically performs the defrosting process automatically, you can try a manual defrost if the automatic setting isn’t working. However, not all heat pump systems offer this option. Before attempting this step, we strongly recommend contacting our team to determine if this is a safe and viable option for your system.  

Powering Off

Another troubleshooting option is to turn the power off to the outdoor unit and attempt thaw it with a water hose, although we don’t think this will do anything.  

Switch to Emergency Heat and Wait It Out

If your heat pump is frozen, one safe option is to set your system to emergency heat and give the outdoor unit time to thaw. Sometimes, frost buildup can happen due to freezing rain or other temporary weather conditions. Switching to emergency heat will allow your home to stay warm while the outdoor unit defrosts naturally.

Before taking any drastic measures, we recommend contacting our team at Solutions Heating and Cooling. Our experts can help assess the situation and ensure your system is back up and running smoothly without causing further issues. Give us a call, and we’ll be happy to assist!

Recommended Preventive Measures to Keep Prevent Heat Pumps From Icing

At Solutions Heating and Cooling, we believe in the importance of preventative measures that keep a system working at optimum performance. Here’s a list of a few steps you can take to prevent your heat pump from frosting:

• Keep Outdoor Coil and Fan Free from obstructions: With constant usage, your HVAC air filters eventually become dirty and clogged. Our team provides proper maintenance, helping you avoid a frosted heat-pumping unit. Let us change your filters and keep them clean.
• Clearing blockages: If your fans and coils are running smoothly, that means they’re getting the right amount of airflow. In the Winter, debris, snowdrifts, and leaves can block the heat pumps. A professional from our team can help clear them out for you to prevent the pump from freezing.
• Routine Maintenance: Opting for a routine maintenance plan offers a straightforward means to safeguard your heat pump from freezing up. Our skilled technicians, well-versed in heating and AC repairs, will inspect your system for potential issues, address any concerns, and guarantee optimal performance of your heat pump unit throughout the entire year.

When in Doubt, Call Our Professionals

Look no further, Solutions Heating and Cooling is here to help.

If your heat pump becomes frozen and the troubleshooting tips mentioned above don’t provide a solution, or if you simply prefer the assurance of expert assistance, it’s the perfect time to reach out to us at Solutions Heating and Cooling. Rest assured, our team of professionals is here to efficiently address any issues causing your heat pump to freeze, ensuring your home regains its warmth and coziness. You can rely on us to get your heat pump working seamlessly and restore a comfortable environment in your home.

At Solutions Heating and Cooling, we merge our knowledge and unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction to support you with all your HVAC needs. Whether it’s heating concerns, air conditioning issues, prompt maintenance, or intricate repairs, our team of experts is here to assist. We offer comprehensive insights into the required work, expert advice, guidance on seasonal repairs, and recommendations for the optimal timing of routine maintenance. Contact our experts about the specifics of the work, and they’ll provide the right guidance, perform seasonal repairs, and suggest the ideal timing for your routine maintenance.

For a free quote or to enlist our services, don’t hesitate to contact our team at 434-222-0541 or send us an email. Alternatively, you can text us and schedule your appointments online.