Why Won't My Heat Pump Go Into Defrost Mode?

Does your heat pump have a buildup of ice or is it having trouble entering defrost mode? Eventually, almost every heat pump will reach a point where it creates ice on its mechanisms. The machine will then enter a mode known as defrosting in order to combat and melt the ice.

The buildup of ice on your heat pump will affect the productivity of the machine. Therefore, if the device is not engaging in the melting process at all, this will not only lower the performance but can also end up damaging or completely breaking your heat pump.

The reasons for your heat pump not entering defrost mode can range from lack of maintenance to more serious inner mechanical failure. Regardless, we will explore all of the possible causes for why your heat pump isn’t defrosting and what you can do to prevent this issue from reoccurring.

A heat pump is an electrical device that essentially removes heat from one place and transfers it to another. However, it has three very specific modes or cycles; heating, cooling and defrosting.

The machine’s purpose is to extract the heat out of the water or air and transfer it by cycling a substance known as a refrigerant by way of evaporation and condensation. Every heating pump contains the same basic main components which are; a compressor, condensing coil, evaporator, reverse valve, thermostats, sensors and fans.

The refrigerant will be pumped by the compressor between two heat exchanger coils. One of the coils will cause the refrigerant to evaporate at low pressure and absorb heat from the surroundings. The refrigerant will then condense at high pressure while on its way to the second coil. It is at this point in the process that the heat pump releases the heat that was previously absorbed.

During operation of the heat pump, ice can build up on the outside coils or fan parts that are essential to the heating process. When this happens, the thermostat will detect a drop in temperature, the reverse valve will cause the system to switch from heating to cooling and the defrost mode starts.

Your heat pump should enter defrost mode on a regular basis and the cycle will typically occur every 30 minutes. Once a certain temperature is reached and the melting process has completed, the system will switch back to its normal heating procedures.

A properly functioning heat pump will have the ability to defrost the ice or snow that accumulates on the components in winter or any cold climate. However, when the device stops defrosting, it’s important to identify the problem and repair it before it becomes too late.

First of all, you should never use a hard or sharp object to chip away the ice that has accumulated on the unit. The fan coils are very fragile and easily susceptible to damage. Instead, to melt the ice, you can use water from a hose.

After you’ve removed the ice, clear out any leaves or other debris in the outdoor coil. You should be maintaining this component and keeping it clean at all times. The coil requires special attention during cold months.

Next, check the internal area of the device for any components that may be broken, malfunctioning or generally impeding the defrosting process. Whether it’s the wires, low refrigerant, reverse valve, a stuck or inefficient fan, check everything to make sure they’re all in good, working order.

Finally, you should consult an HVAC professional at least every six months or before winter. That way you can have peace of mind knowing that your device is functioning properly and will be able to defrost.

EDIDS, or Energy Docs Intelligent Defrost System is a timer, sensor and thermostat system that will stimulate the defrost process quicker and more efficiently. Developed by Mike MacFarland in Redding, California, his device uses the standard timer and temperature sensor but adds a pressure sensor into the mix.

EDIDS measures and monitors the pressure differences between the inside and outside of the unit. As the coil accumulates ice and frost, the pressure will increase. An average heat pump will enter defrost mode roughly every 30 minutes. Whereas, MacFarland’s system will kick off the defrost cycle only when necessary and when notified by the pressure sensor.

Since the original system is built only on temperature and time, the EDIDS device makes your heat pump much more intuitive.

If all the components are properly functioning, the best way to force the unit into defrost mode is to set the temperature to a low setting and adjust the thermostat to cooling mode. Allow it to run until the ice has defrosted, then switch it back to the heat setting.

You’ll be able to tell that the system is in defrost mode when the indoor fan stops, heating stops and there may be a blinking indicator light. The outdoor fan will also stop but the compressor will keep running.

If you’re certain that your heat pump is not entering defrost mode and you’re experiencing ice accumulation, this could be due to a number of reasons.

Whether it’s the failure of one of the unit’s components or simply due to lack of maintenance, it’s always recommended to have an HVAC professional take a look.

For more issues relating to your HVAC system check out, “ How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Furnace Draft Inducer Motor?” and “ Why Is My Furnace Making a Loud Humming Noise?”