Frozen Heat Pump: The Ultimate Guide to Help You Deal with It
Winter is finally here. The time of year when Heat Pumps start to break down and get iced over. Heat pumps can be a great way to stay warm in the winter, but if they don't work correctly, you will feel cold and frustrated that you have a frozen heat pump.
This blog post will inform you about how the Heat Pumps freezing up phenomenon occurs and what steps you need to take so that it doesn't happen again.
What is a Heat Pump, and what it does?
That means that Heat Pumps use special chemicals (refrigerants) such as ammonia which absorb heat and then release this heat into the environment.
Heat pumps work the opposite way to typical air conditioning systems. Heat Pumps heat homes in winter and cools them in summer, while Air Conditioning Systems warm up homes in summer and cool them down during winter.
What is meant by having a Frozen Heat Pump?
If you use your Heat Pump regularly, then it is not very likely that. Regular usage keeps the components up and working, but the pump can freeze if the use is not regular.
Heat Pumps freeze when the refrigerant gas component inside them is not used for a long time. Heat pumps can also freeze if they are poorly maintained or not serviced at prescribed times.
As a basic rule of thumb, it should be fine if the outdoor temperature is above 40 degrees Fahrenheit and you have no problems with your HVAC system during the winter season. Heat pumps will typically last for about 13 to 15 years, depending on how well they're maintained.
How to deal with a heat pump freeze?
In the harsh cold of winters, having a frozen heat pump and not creating a cozy environment indoors might be an issue. Here are some tips for dealing with a frozen heat pump to get it back up and running:
Educate yourself regarding common issues:
The best way to deal with a heat pump freeze is to stop it from ever happening. Maintain and service the pump whenever you see something is wrong with it or after six months.
The most prominent indication that your heat pump is starting to freeze is the appearance of ice around the trigger and dial. Service your pump immediately if you see ice forming.
Mind the Amount of the Refrigerant:
Check on the amount of refrigerant in your heat pump. Too much or too little might cause it to freeze up.
You can also look at how dusty it is around the outdoor unit and if leaves are blocking vents, which make ice form inside the pipe system more quickly.
Start the Defrosting System:
If you cannot see the indications and the heat pump freeze does happen, start the defrosting system. This system depends on the HVAC system and may differ from model to model.
Keep the Surroundings of the Pump Clean:
If You Don't Get Enough Warmth, Call an Expert:
Problems with your heat pump might be more technical, requiring more practiced hands and in-depth training. Don't skip out on your maintenance schedule, particularly when winter is approaching to avoid nasty surprises. Although the wisest option would be to have it by the end of fall or the start of the winter season, HVAC practitioners are busier at this time. In addition, you'd have a more difficult time booking a home visit. A mid-winter checkup would work just fine as long as you see that you do what you can to keep your heat pump in good condition until then.
As a last resort, you can call a technician to help with your heat pump. He will be able to tell quickly what is wrong and how he would like to proceed. Remember that a Frozen Heat Pump does not need for your home or business owners to do much. An expert technician can easily handle the issue and deal with it professionally.