Why Does a Heat Pump Freeze Up: What to Do?

If you have a heat pump installed at your home, you most probably know how environment-friendly, cost-effective, and multi-purpose machinery it is. Not only does it keep you warm during winters, but it can cool your homes too if the temperature goes high.

It is normal to see a thin layer of ice on your heat pump, but things get unusual if more than one layer of ice. That is when you know you need to do some troubleshooting.

But Why Exactly Does a Heat Pump Freeze Up?

This happens because, during winters, the outer coil of the heat pump lowers its temperature below the outside temperature so that it can supply heat. Hence, during the operating cycle, the refrigerant gas condenses and freezes.

Here are a few reasons as to why your heat pump can have a significant freezing issue:

• Clogged Filters And Blowers: Small dust and smoke particles can settle down and clog filters and blowers, which leads to insufficient air supply, because of which moisture may freeze on the coil.
• Faulty Mechanical Component: Any heat pump component can be defective due to excessive use or low maintenance. These components may include:
  • Coils
  • Blade
  • Compressor
  • Condenser
  • Evaporator
  • Broken or leaking valves

• Low refrigerant levels: With low refrigerant levels, the heat pump loses its ability to cool or heat the system. This may be an installation problem or a case of a system leak.

• Fan Blades: The fan blades may be blocked due to dirt or particulate deposition, and if the heat pump is operated with still fan blades, it may cause severe damage to the compressor or other essential components of the pump.

• Malfunctioning Blower: The blower’s job is to circulate air throughout the house, but a blown blower cannot fulfill this requirement. Once found faulty, the blower has to be replaced.

• Dirty AC Coils: If the coils are dirty, it takes them more time to draw heat from the outside air; this leads to condensation and the pump’s freezing up.

What Should You Do?

• If you notice a stack of ice on your pump, don’t neglect it. Try to identify the underlying issue.
• Call a technician. If you cannot identify the problem, better call a technician and resolve your issue. You can contact HVAC contractors, Severna Park, MD to book technicians for emergencies.
• Try repairing it yourself if you have ever worked with heat pumps before. But in case you have not, then contact heat pump services, Severna Park, MD.
• In case of faulty mechanical parts, leaking vents, and corroded coils, contact your retailer for replacement.
• Prevention is better than cure. You can prepare for such a situation beforehand by calling an HVAC professional and getting your pump checked for any of the above-mentioned technical problems.

If your heat pump is freezing up and you are looking for any heat pump repairing services, JS Corcoran Heating & Air Conditioning is here to resolve all your issues. You can also contact us at (443) 250-9917.