If freezing has already occurred, shut off the unit (keeping it on could damage the unit) and pour water over the unit to melt the ice (do NOT attempt breaking up ice with heavy tools!). In addition, check to make sure no damage has been done to the copper coolant lines, this might be a job for a professional plumber!
Run warm water across the sides of your heat pump to begin thawing some of the ice. Do not attempt to use any tools or objects to crack the ice, as this can damage the coil and ruin your heat pump. Your heat pump comes equipped with an automatic defrosting function but try to clear some ice before attempting.
The best way to thaw a frozen heat pump is with the defrosting cycle. If this doesn't work, you can pour water over your unit to melt ice and snow. Lastly, you can turn your unit on “fan” mode to circulate air and help melt the ice.
Generally, heat pumps will defrost regularly when frost conditions are occurring. However, the frequency of defrosts should be no more than roughly every 35 minutes. The length of time the heat pump will defrost will vary, but ordinarily it should not take longer than 10 minutes.
When you drop below 40 degF ambient, there is simply not enough heat in the air. The outdoor coil is operating well below 32 degF and will ice over and stop transferring heat. The only way to get a heat pump to operate below 40 degF, is to have a defrost cycle and/or auxiliary heat in the coil.
If possible, keep a 2-foot space around the unit clear. Install a cover: Look for a heat pump cover that's durable, weather-resistant, and breathable. This will help protect your unit from snow, ice, dirt, debris, and animals. This cover also provides shade in summer, thereby increasing energy efficiency.
– Will Emergency Heat Defrost Heat Pump? Emergency heat mode bypasses the heat pump, using auxiliary heat sources instead. It does not actively defrost the heat pump but can provide heating if the pump is not functioning correctly due to excessive frost.
It's Defrosting
To protect the outdoor coils from freezing up in the winter, heat pumps go through a defrosting period every hour or so in which they are truly blowing out cold air. This defrosting period only lasts a few minutes and should not affect the overall temperature of your home.
In general, it's too much if the ice covering your heat pump blocks the airflow. You also shouldn't see frost on your heat pump for longer than two hours because it should defrost within this time.
Turn up the heat. Increasing the temperature in your basement can help defrost the frozen water in the pump and the outlet line. So, bump up the thermostat or set up a space heater near the pump to warm things up. Release any of the remaining water from the pump by opening the drain.
You should not cover your heat pump because it runs all year long. As long as it's running, it needs to be able to freely take in air along the sides and release exhaust out the top. Sometimes a storm causes snow or ice to accumulate on the heat pump. You should only remove the snow or ice from the top.
If you have the ability to wait, switch off the fan, and your unit can thaw on its own. Note that this will take at least a few hours. Run hot or even cool water from your garden hose over the unit to melt ice. Never try to chip away ice with anything sharp, as this could damage your equipment.
People do not need to turn their heat pumps off. Residents should make sure their supplemental home heating systems are on and operating. Set the thermostats to a degree or two lower than heat pumps.
The build-up of ice in a water pump can result in serious damage. When water freezes, it expands and can cause cracks in the pipes and the pump body. It might also block the moving parts of the pump, causing it to become jammed or to break.
Contrary to popular belief, heat pumps don't ever stop working when it's cold. These systems are built to withstand frigid weather, operating at 100% efficiency even down to -13 degrees Fahrenheit.
Interior Heating Element
In defrost mode, this heating element will automatically turn on, or the interior blower fan will turn off.
Insufficient airflow: Insufficient airflow will cause the compressor coils to a lower temperature, which can cause a heat pump indoor coil freezing up in winter. Other causes of inadequate airflow include a clogged air filter or an obstruction in the ductwork.
Run the Heat Pump's Fan
Running the fan can help you thaw the heating system within an hour. If the temperature outside is too low, you could even set the fan on exhaust setting. While this step might not solve the freezing problem entirely, it absolutely works as a temporary solution.
This heating method works incredibly efficiently until the outdoor temperature reaches about 35 degrees. At this point, the heat pump has difficulty extracting enough heat from outside to keep up with the thermostat setting. This is when many people assume it's time for switching their heat pump to emergency heat.
First, you'll likely notice that the heat pump cannot generate enough heat output to keep your home comfortable. Ice can block airflow through the fins and outdoor coil, which can cause damage to the coil, refrigerant leaks, and other malfunctions. Ice can also damage outdoor fan blades within the unit.
Aside from installing insulation, there are low-cost solutions, such as insulated blankets, heat tapes, and heat lamps, that can provide temporary protection. However, they are less effective for long-term freeze prevention. Blanket Wrapping: Wrap pumps with insulated, weatherproof blankets suitable for outdoor use.
Frost and ice shreds may also collect around the heat pump. However, if extreme amounts of ice and snow buildup over the unit, it's strongly recommended to switch it off or to 'emergency heat' to remove the snow. The easiest way to get the snow off the heat pump is by pouring warm water over time.
Lockout controls minimize use of strip heat, maximizing energy savings. Incorrect lockout settings result in the majority of inspection failures. PTCS Spec: Set auxiliary heat lockout to 35°F or lower.