01/28/2026
We're expecting lows in the 20s this weekend in Central Florida. You might notice some concerning things with your heat pump in the cold weather, including:
- A frozen outdoor unit (and smoke)
- Strange noises from the outdoor unit
- Not reaching the set point indoors
- Air coming out of the vents isn’t warm at times
Some of these may actually be NORMAL. You can read the full guide on our blog at https://www.kalosflorida.com/heating/what-to-know-about-your-hvac-plumbing-before-the-freeze/, but here is the long and short of it:
Heat pumps may get a thin layer of frost on the outdoor unit, as moisture will freeze on it. They have a defrost cycle to remove that frost. During that time, you may notice steam (which looks like smoke) and hear loud whooshing or grinding noises for a few seconds. The air coming out of the vents may also be less warm for the length of the defrost cycle, about 10 minutes. Those are all NORMAL.
It's also normal for older heat pumps to have a hard time keeping up in cold weather. These systems may only be able to manage to keep your indoor temperature in the low to mid-60s. As long as the equipment is running, it's working, and there is usually no need to call a contractor.
Please do NOT use emergency heat if you hear the unit running. Emergency heat shuts the heat pump off and turns on expensive electric heat. It's only meant to be used for situations when the heat pump is not working at all.
Now, here are some signs that something is wrong:
- Thick sheets of ice on the outdoor unit
- Persistent chattering, banging, or electrical buzzing noises
- A blank thermostat
- Cold blasts of air from the vent
- The heat pump isn't running at all
And here are a few best practices for your outdoor plumbing:
- Don’t run your pool heater in the cold
- Insulate and trickle small, exposed outdoor pipes
If you notice any of the abnormal signs above, you can call us at (352)-243-7099. Stay safe and warm as we all stick it out together.
The temperatures are supposed to drop below freezing this weekend. We’re expecting lows in the 20s in Central Florida, and here is what you need to know about your home’s HVAC and plumbing—and…