You find a frosty heat pump at your Columbus home, and you’re not sure what you should do. Too much frost can create problems, so you need to be aware of what to look for and how to take care of the frost when it happens.
How Does a Frosty Heat Pump Happen?
A frosty heat pump develops because of the phase changes of water. The cold, dry outdoor air in winter has some water vapor in it. When the temperature reaches the dew point, that water vapor will condense on nearby surfaces, including your heat pump. If that surface is below freezing, the water will freeze. Interestingly, this tends to happen when the outside air is between 20 and 40 degrees. Once the temperature drops below 20 degrees, the amount of frost diminishes.
What to Do About Frost
If you notice some frost forming, leave the heat pump alone for a while and check it again later. The defrost cycle will likely kick in to defrost the equipment. A little bit of frost isn’t a problem and will likely disappear. However, if the frost begins to build up to the point that it prevents air to pass, or if it stays visible for two or more hours, you need to have your HVAC company check the unit to ensure it’s working properly.
For most Opelika, Auburn and Eufaula homeowners, a frosty heat pump isn’t a cause for concern. If you’re noticing frost problems that linger, contact Indoor Solutions, Inc.
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