New Jersey winters are cold and snowy, with temperatures regularly dropping below freezing, so heat pump maintenance is important to keep your home warm throughout the season. A heat pump has two main parts — the indoor air handler and the outdoor compressor. During the winter, your heat pump absorbs heat from outside and moves it indoors to warm your home. Significant ice build-up on the heat pump’s outdoor unit is an indication that something’s wrong.
At Sam’s Air Control, our HVAC technicians offer expert diagnosis, repairs, and maintenance services on all heat pump brands and models. If your heat pump’s freezing up in the winter, schedule an inspection. Our service area includes the Edison area, as well as communities in:
- Monmouth County
- Hunterdon County
- Middlesex County
- Somerset County
- Hudson County
- Essex County
- And more.
We handle all types of home heating repairs, keeping New Jersey residents comfortable, even when temperatures drop to the low 30s.
Why Do Heat Pumps Freeze in the First Place?
In cold weather, it’s normal for frost or a thin layer of ice to form on metal surfaces, including on the outside of your heat pump’s outdoor unit. Heat pumps produce a small amount of condensation, which can freeze when the temperature is below 32°F.
Middlesex County residents may need professional heat pump servicing if the ice forms a solid block or freezes repeatedly. This happens when there’s a mechanical issue, airflow problem, or other malfunction occurring in the heat pump. Don’t ignore excessive ice on your heat pump in the winter, because it’s a sign telling you something’s wrong.
Common Causes of Ice Buildup on a Heat Pump
Ice buildup happens when the temperature is low enough to freeze condensation and there’s an underlying problem with the heat pump, such as:
- Low refrigerant levels: When there’s not enough refrigerant, the coil temperature drops below freezing, which can freeze the condensation around the coils.
- Poor airflow: Restricted airflow due to dirty air filters, a blocked outdoor unit, or blower motor problems causes the refrigerant coils to get too cold, leading to condensation and ice.
- Thermostat issues: Incorrect settings or malfunctions may cause erratic cycling or ineffective defrost cycles, resulting in ice formation.
- Clogged condensate drain: The condensate drain removes condensation from the heat pump and carries it outside. If it’s clogged or frozen, the water backs up onto the coils, forming ice and eventually causing bigger problems.
- Defrost control problems: Your heat pump has a defrost setting that helps prevent the formation of thick ice. If it’s not working properly, it creates an environment where condensation can continue to freeze.
What To Do if You Notice Ice on Your Heat Pump?
If there’s a small amount of normal ice or frost on your heat pump, try to defrost the unit. Heat pumps usually have a built-in defrost cycle you can set on your thermostat. During this cycle, the heat pump temporarily releases heat outdoors until the ice melts, then automatically resumes its regular operation after a few minutes.
If you have thick ice layers, it’s best to schedule an inspection with an experienced HVAC technician. Sam’s Air Control services Central NJ communities, providing heat pump maintenance and repairs in Piscataway, Bayonne, Newark, Morristown, Trenton, and other communities.
How To Keep a Heat Pump From Freezing in the Future?
Preparing your heat pump for winter is easy with Sam’s Air Control. Schedule a heat pump tune-up before winter sets in to keep your heat pump from freezing. Our tune-ups include:
- A full inspection to look for wear and tear and potential problems
- Cleaning components
- Air filter change
- Checking thermostat functionality
- Tightening loose electrical connections
- Safety checks
- Testing the system performance
Preventative maintenance plans keep your heater running efficiently, helping you save on your energy bills. Our HVAC Maintenance Club offers benefits like:
- Two seasonal tune-ups per year.
- Priority HVAC service
- Guaranteed appointments within 48 hours
- Discounted repair costs
Signs You Need Professional Heat Pump Repair in Edison, Metuchen, & Central New Jersey
Along with thick ice remaining on the outside of your heat pump for more than a day, some other signs you need professional heat pump repairs include:
- Unusual noises: Grinding, squealing, rattling, buzzing, or whistling sounds all indicate a bigger issue than a little ice. It could be mechanical problems, loose components, a refrigerant leak, or electrical issues.
- No power: Check whether there’s power to the rest of your house or if the circuit breaker has tripped. If it’s not these issues, your heat pump may have an underlying electrical problem.
- Poor airflow: If your heat pump’s airflow is weak, it may be due to a blower motor problem, dirty coils, refrigerant issues, or blocked vents.
- Strange smells: Odd odors could indicate mold and mildew issues, serious electrical problems, or a refrigerant leak.
- High energy bills: If your energy bills are inexplicably high, it may mean your heat pump is the wrong size for your home, or is running inefficiently.
If you need to replace your heat pump, government incentives are available that may reimburse some or all of the cost. Sam’s Air offers HVAC specials and flexible financing to take the stress out of upgrades and replacements.
Contact Sam’s Air for Heat Pump Repair and Maintenance Services
Sam’s Air Control offers Central NJ homeowners excellent customer care, reasonable prices, and reliable service. We’re problem solvers who truly care about providing high-quality workmanship on every job. Our experienced techs can fix anything from electric ductless setups to geothermal heat pumps. We use advanced techniques to diagnose and repair problems fast, so you won’t have to go without heat for long.
Contact us today to schedule a heat pump tune-up, repair, or upgrade.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I pour hot water on my frozen heat pump?
It’s not a good idea to pour hot water on a frozen heat pump because the sudden temperature change can cause cracking or warping. Instead, try warm water (after turning off the power), slowly pouring a steady stream until the ice melts. If the heat pump freezes again, call an HVAC professional.
How long should the defrost cycle last?
Your heat pump’s defrost cycle should only last a few minutes. Most are complete after five minutes, but some models may take up to 15 minutes. The time it takes also depends on how cold or humid it is outside and the thickness of the ice buildup. Contact a professional if the defrost cycle lasts 30 minutes or longer.
Can I turn my heat pump back on after it thaws?
Yes. Once your heat pump’s outdoor compressor unit has completely thawed, the ice has melted, and there’s no serious problem with the heater, you can try turning it back on. If you notice strange smells, sounds, or poor heat production, it’s best to call a professional for an inspection right away.
