Understanding Your Heat Pump’s Defrost Cycle

You have probably never thought of having your heat pump defrosted. You will experience your heat pump running differently when the temperatures plunge – perhaps, initiating a defrost cycle. But what exactly is this?

How Defrosting Happens and Why It’s Necessary

The heat energy is taken from the colder outside air when the heat pump is switched to the heating circuit. Frost can form on the outdoor coils and quickly accumulate at specific temperatures and humidity levels, especially under the right conditions. Then, the heat pump activates the defrosting cycle to remove ice from the outdoor coil to prevent further frost buildup.

When the heat pump switches to defrosting mode, the operation is temporarily reversed. This is when the cooling cycle occurs. It triggers the warm air to pass through the outdoor coil, which temporarily heats up, melting the frost until the outer ring reaches 57 degrees.

How Often Will a Unit Switch to the Defrost Cycle?

Your outdoor temperature and humidity, the heat load of your system and the pump system’s condition are factors that influence when a heat pump switches over to the defrost cycle. However, it should be noted that heat pumps will regularly defrost when frost conditions occur.

Defrosting frequency should be no more than roughly every 35 minutes. Although the length of time the heat pump will defrost will vary, ordinarily, it should not take longer than 10 minutes.

Do you need a heating or air conditioning repair service? Turn to EZ Air Conditioning and Heating for superior residential and commercial HVAC services. We also specialize in attic insulation, duct cleaning and home automation. Give us a call at (210) 429-9186, or fill out our contact form to get an estimate.