It’s distressing to see ice form on your heat pump and threaten to slow it down. Given how cold the winters in Vernon Hills, IL get, it’s understandable that you’d worry about this problem and want to take care of it. Here are a few reasons why there might be ice on your heat pump.
When Some Ice Might Be Normal
There’s one specific situation in which seeing ice on your heat pump isn’t cause for alarm. Just before the beginning of a new heating cycle, the refrigerant in your system is very cold, and it gets even colder than the outside air. This means that water vapor in the air condenses on the system’s coils.
After some time, as frigid temperatures continue, that condensation freezes and creates a layer of ice over the coils of your system. This layer is usually very thin and nothing to worry about. Your heat pump has a defrost cycle that will take care of this issue on its own.
Low Refrigerant
One of the most serious abnormal causes of ice buildup on heat pumps is a refrigerant leak. As mentioned, refrigerant gets quite cold just before the start of a heating cycle. If your system’s refrigerant lines suffer any kind of damage and refrigerant leaks through them, it can cause ice buildup almost anywhere.
Don’t try to add refrigerant to your system. A trained professional should perform maintenance on your system, inspect the refrigerant lines and either prevent or fix leaks.
Dirty Air Filters
Another possibility is dirty air filters. If it’s been too long since you’ve replaced your filters, debris will block airflow and trap moisture, which may eventually freeze in cold weather. Remember to check your filters monthly and replace them at least every three months.
If you think your heat pump has more ice on it than is normal, it’s time to take action. Call us at Ireland Heating & Air Conditioning Co. to schedule HVAC services in Vernon Hills, IL.
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