Heat pumps offer a great way to keep your home comfortable all year, but they occasionally encounter issues like freezing up. When this happens, it can be frustrating and potentially costly to repair. Here are some things that cause heat pumps in Knoxville, TN, to freeze up and how to prevent this from happening:
Low Refrigerant Levels
Refrigerant is the substance responsible for absorbing heat from the indoor air and releasing it outdoors. When the refrigerant levels are low, the pressure in the system drops, and the heat pump may struggle to transfer heat effectively.
This can cause the evaporator coil to freeze up and make the heat pump malfunction. Regular maintenance and inspection can help identify low refrigerant levels before they cause significant damage to the system.
Dirty Air Filters
Air filters remove dust, dirt and other particles from the indoor air. When these filters become clogged, the airflow to the heat pump decreases, causing the evaporator coil to freeze. You need to replace most air filters every 30 to 90 days, depending on usage.
Faulty Thermostat
The thermostat regulates the temperature inside the home and sends signals to the heat pump to turn on or off. If the thermostat isn’t working correctly, it may send signals to the heat pump to keep running, even if it has reached the desired temperature.
This can cause the heat pump to run continuously, freezing the evaporator coil. If you suspect your thermostat is malfunctioning, have it inspected by a professional HVAC service technician.
Outdoor Temperatures
When the outdoor temperature drops below freezing, the moisture in the air can freeze on the evaporator coil, causing the heat pump to freeze. Installing a defrost control system can help detect when the system starts to freeze and defrost it automatically.
Call Us for All Your Heat Pump Services
Heat pump freeze-ups can be frustrating and inconvenient, but they’re preventable. Frequent maintenance can keep your heat pump running efficiently all year. Get in touch with us at Melton Heating and Air Conditioning to schedule heat pump repair or maintenance with our HVAC service technicians.
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