Much of the heating and cooling system for your Longview, Texas home is out of sight. Your only clue that something may be amiss comes when the unit doesn’t seem to be performing as it should. Many of the problems that can develop are generally detected by your HVAC technician during routine maintenance or a service call. You might not be aware of frost on your heat pump if it occurs inside the unit. You will definitely know, however, that something is wrong when you see ice on the outdoor unit even in the warmer months.

Frost Inside Your Heat Pump

Frost on a heat pump is not unusual, especially on the coils. The issue, therefore, is when this happens in excess. The problem could be caused by:

• Interference with refrigerant flow.
• Low refrigerant charge
• Turning the thermostat down very low
• A dirty filter
• A dirty or damaged indoor coil
• Blocked or closed vents

These conditions will prevent your system from operating properly and can lead to further damage and higher energy bills.

Frost on the Outside Unit

It is not unusual for ice to form on your heat pump during the cold months — and it has nothing to do with the snow. This usually occurs because of a difference between the temperature of the outdoor air and the surface of the heat pump that has a temperature lower than the dew point. If the heat pump is covered in frost or has become encased in ice, however, it requires immediate professional attention to prevent damage. Turn off the system and call your HVAC contractor.

Heat pumps have a defrost cycle that prevents frost from building up on or within the unit. If there’s a problem with the defrost cycle, ice can build up on the coils or in severe cases, on the entire outdoor unit. Apart from problems with the defrost controls, issues with the compressor, reversing valve, fan motors, belts, bearings, and refrigerant flow can also cause frost on your heat pump.

Regular service and maintenance can prevent these problems. The technicians at JD’s A/C have the training and expertise to tackle a variety of HVAC issues. Give us a call today at (903) 759-7483 to learn more about our air conditioning services.

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