Should Your Heat Pump Defrost Cycle Worry You?

One of the facts about home heating that many people are unaware of is that a heat pump can freeze and defrost, just like a regular furnace. So, if you’re worried about the potential for a frozen pipe, you don’t need to be. In fact, a heat pump defrost cycle may be beneficial because it helps distribute the heat more evenly throughout your home. Let’s review how a quality ductless heat pump installation ensures your defrost cycle goes off without a hitch. 

How the Defrost Cycle Works

When it begins to snow, your heat pump may stop blowing hot air momentarily. This pause is a regular occurrence for a heat pump and results from the cold air coming in contact with the cool coils. The compressor will start up again, and the cycle will continue. However, if there is a lot of snow, the heat pump may not be able to keep up with the demand, and the compressor may overheat. Overheating is when the defrost cycle comes into play. 

Once the heat pump enters the defrost cycle because the thermostat on the bottom of the outdoor coil has detected freezing, the thermostat will close the coil circuit. An internal timer will begin, and internal relays will turn on the compressor so the heat pump reversing valve comes on and runs in cool mode.

Once the coil has defrosted, the thermostat will open the coil circuit, and the compressor will stop. 

How Long Does Defrost Mode Last?

The cycle will run from anywhere between 30 seconds to a few minutes. It repeats until the temperature in the outdoor unit is above 57 degrees Fahrenheit.

Reasons Your Defrost Cycle May Not Work

1. Electrical 

If there are any problems with your electrical system, the defrost cycle may not work. This could be due to a faulty fuse, bad wiring, or a dead outlet.

2. Refrigerant Leaks 

If there are any leaks in your system, the defrost cycle will not work. This could be from a broken pipe, a hose that’s not tight enough, or a faulty valve.

3. Improper Installation 

If the installation is not done correctly, the defrost cycle may not work. This could be due to a blocked or missing duct, a malfunctioning furnace, or an improperly installed heat pump.

4. Faulty Sensors or Thermostat 

If the sensors or thermostat are not working correctly, the defrost cycle may not work. This could be due to a faulty weatherproof sensor, a digital thermostat, or a frozen thermostat.

5. Broken Coils 

The defrost cycle may not work if there are broken or defective coils. This could be due to a broken wire, a frozen wire, or a corroded coil.

Start With a Quality Ductless Heat Pump Installation from Mt. Hood Ductless

The best way to guarantee a flawless defrost cycle is to install a quality ductless heat pump from Mt. Hood Ductless. We take pride in our work and will ensure that your heat pump is installed correctly and that the defrost cycle works properly. If something goes wrong, we offer ductless heat pump repair to take care of the problem. Contact us to schedule an appointment.