Outside heat pump unit frozen
#1
02-07-04, 03:27 PM
Outside heat pump unit frozen
My outside unit has been covered with ice for several days. The temperature has been consistantly below freezing, but really seems to have no impact on the problem. Today was over 40 and no improvement was noticed.
The unit works, maintaining the thermostat temp, but occasionally goes into aux heat mode. The fan never seems to stop.
I have tried to thaw it, by use of a space heater and a scrapper. But, the ice just returns.
When I first remove the ice the cycles seem normal, but as icing gets worse, the cycles are longer.
I have had problems with the unit in the past withthe motor running, and had to replace the motor as well as the controll switch.
I know there is a defrost switch, but really have no real knowledge.
Please advise.
PS: it is a carrier unit if that matters
The unit works, maintaining the thermostat temp, but occasionally goes into aux heat mode. The fan never seems to stop.
I have tried to thaw it, by use of a space heater and a scrapper. But, the ice just returns.
When I first remove the ice the cycles seem normal, but as icing gets worse, the cycles are longer.
I have had problems with the unit in the past withthe motor running, and had to replace the motor as well as the controll switch.
I know there is a defrost switch, but really have no real knowledge.
Please advise.
PS: it is a carrier unit if that matters
#2
02-07-04, 03:49 PM
Member
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: NW atlanta
Posts: 3,049
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes
on
0 Posts
defrost control is located in the outdoor unit. probably a circuit board in the electrical compartment. lowering time setting may help. may be low on refrigerant, is there a gutter above it? has it rained? it may just be having trouble catching up due to humudity
#4
02-07-04, 04:37 PM
HEAT PUMP
With all the rain and snow to get on the pump and freeze up. I would put the tstat over to AUX mod that way the fan should come on and off as heat is needed and the out door unit wont try to start when its all frozen .Then wait till the weather lets up someYou can go over to AC that is the same as the defrost mode with out the strip heaters comeing on also. ED
#5
02-08-04, 05:54 AM
Member
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Cinti, OH
Posts: 5,315
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes
on
0 Posts
What you don't want to do is run this thing frozen over like that for an extended amount of time.
1. It could be low on refrigerant.
2. It could be a dirty outdoor coil.
3. It could be the defrost control.
We can probably talk you through checking the defrost control if you have a multi-meter and we can help you with the dirty coil. If you don't feel you can tackle any of these you need to call in the troops.
1. It could be low on refrigerant.
2. It could be a dirty outdoor coil.
3. It could be the defrost control.
We can probably talk you through checking the defrost control if you have a multi-meter and we can help you with the dirty coil. If you don't feel you can tackle any of these you need to call in the troops.
