If you are using a heat pump to keep cool this summer, and happen to notice ice forming on it, call for repairs as soon as possible. This may seem like a sign that your heat pump is cooling your home properly, but it is not the case. In fact, heat pump ice is a sign of a serious issue that can cause a full breakdown if you aren’t careful. Let’s take a look at what causes heat pump ice, and the damage it can do.
The Evaporator Coil
When your heat pump is in cooling mode, it siphons heat from your home’s air by evaporating refrigerant in a coil inside the indoor unit. The temperature around the coil is constantly dropping as thermal energy is sapped from it, while condensation forms on the coil itself. The flow of warm air from the duct keeps the temperature above freezing. However, if the air flow is interrupted for whatever reason, the temperature will drop below freezing and the condensate will form ice.
Consequences of Heat Pump Ice
While the evaporator coil is frozen, it will not have access to enough of the home’s air to siphon heat from it. This will cause the output of your heat pump to drop significantly. The weight of the ice can eventually become great enough to permanently warp the coil, requiring that it be replaced. The ice can eventually spread down the refrigerant line to other parts of the heat pump, causing them to malfunction and break down. If the problem goes long enough without being treated, the entire system will fail.
Climate Masters offers comprehensive heat pump repair services throughout St. Augustine, FL. If you need heat pump repair services of any kind, call today to schedule an appointment with one of our experts.
