01/23/2025
We have been getting a lot of calls over the past couple days from concerned owners of heat pump systems. We wanted to give you some pointers to alleviate some concerns and save you the cost of a service call...
When operating properly, heat pumps WILL grow a layer of ice on the outside unit (especially in these low temperatures). This layer of ice could grow up to a few inches thick. If your system is working properly, it will then go into a defrost cycle which will remove (most of) that ice.
When your heat pump goes into defrost, it will make a loud "whooshing" sound and will most likely begin to steam from the top (this is not smoke, your unit is not on fire). The outdoor fan motor should stop turning while in defrost mode. It may sound like the unit is laboring. This is all normal. After several minutes of being in defrost, the ice should thaw out. When it is this cold (below 32 degrees) some of the ice may remain even after the defrost cycle. This is ok.
The main thing to worry about is whether your home is staying warm or not. If it is, then your system is working properly. Even if it does look like an igloo.
If your heat pump is not keeping your home warm, there is a back up feature that your thermostat will use. It is called "auxillary heat".
As long as the proper size heat strips were installed when your system was put in, auxillary heat running along with your heat pump will keep you warm.
It is also normal during these extreme conditions for the temperature of the home to vary a few degrees from the thermostat set point. Much the same as we deal with during the extreme heats of summer.
I hope this helps.
As always, if you do need us, we will gladly come out. (As soon as the roads will let us safely do so)
-David with DC Heating and Air Conditioning
252-659-1039
