Defrosting is an important feature that prevents a heat pump from costly damages. It turns on when the unit is covered with ice or there is serious ice accumulation. However, sometimes, it will fail to turn on due to several reasons. Let’s take a look into what might be the case and if you need any heat pump repair help.
Ice And Snow
Ice and snow both tend to be the worst enemies of a heat pump. During the winter season, it is possible that snow and ice accumulation builds up on your heat pump. As a result, the unit will not be able to defrost properly. To fix the issue, you can try removing the ice and snow from the heat pump using a tool but you have to be careful.
Make sure that you do not use sharp objects as this can damage the coils, reducing their efficiency or even replacement in extreme cases. Perhaps the best way to deal with the situation is to run warm tap water over the ice to melt it.
Drainage Problems
A lot of people are not aware of the fact that drainage problems can also create difficulties in defrosting. Clogs of sticks, leaves, ice, and snow can prevent proper drainage. Therefore, when the weather turns freezing, the clog leads to the buildup of ice on the outside unit, which definitely leads to improper heat performance.
This issue can easily be prevented if you were to regularly clean the drainage and make sure it is clog-free. The heat pump should not be placed in an area that is prone to a lot of dust and debris. Plus, if there are trees surrounding the heat pump, make sure that the branches are trimmed.
It’s Low On Refrigerant
Heat pumps rely on proper refrigerant levels to operate. If the refrigerant level happens to be low, the defrosting process will simply not work. The reason is that the refrigerant is pumped through the coils to heat them up and to defrost the heat pump.
Therefore, if the refrigerant level is low, this means there isn’t going to be enough coolant to go through the system. This is primarily due to broken, leaked, or damaged coils. To solve the issue, you can try refilling the refrigerant. If that doesn’t solve the issue, you might need to replace the coils.
Improper Installation
If your heat pump is not defrosting properly, it might simply be due to the entire installation not done correctly. From the outside, things might look fine but proper installation goes a long way in ensuring that the heat pump works at its best.
Improper installation is usually done by amateurs. This is why manufacturers recommend opting for experienced and certified professionals who know their way around HVACs. Sometimes, due to improper installation, the refrigerant might leak or the unit is not able to perform simply due to improper airflow.
If you suspect such issues, you should consult a professional and get the issue sorted out as soon as possible.
Electrical Issue
If the heat pump installed at your house is pretty old, chances are that the electrical issues will arise more often. This is because the old wiring tends to crack, which does not allow proper signal communication for the defrost mode to turn on.
In addition to that, wire connections can become faulty as well, therefore, it is important that you regularly inspect the wiring of your heat pump, especially if it’s older to ensure that the unit works normally. In case, if a wire or some connections tends to be the suspect, you can easily repair them on your own if you are aware of the basics. However, if you are not, do not hesitate to call a professional.
Final Word
As this article reaches its conclusion, we are sure to have shared everything you need to know about troubleshooting heat pump defrosting issues. Make sure that you maintain your heat pump and always consult HVAC companies Long Beach who can send in their experts to perform the repairs and replacements. This ensures a longer lifespan of the unit in addition to improved efficiency and effectiveness.
