Things You Should Know About Operating a Heat Pump in the Winter

  • Your heat pump can always pull heat out of the air. Fingers crossed that it never reaches absolute zero on Earth! The question is efficiency. When does it become less efficient for your heat pump to pull heat out of the cold air? The answer? Well, a good rule of thumb is below freezing, or approximately 32 degrees F.

  • Defrost mode can be alarming! But it is crucial for heat pump operation in winter. Ice may begin to form on your outdoor components when the temperature drops . So, your heat pump will reverse operation to defrost those components. This will only be for a short while and is completely normal.

  • If it seems like defrost mode may be kicking on too frequently or lasting too long….make sure you give us a call . While defrost mode is a normal part of operation, anything that seems excessive or out of the ordinary should be evaluated by a professional.

  • Like all other systems, make sure you are paying attention to your filter and changing it on a regular basis.

  • Make sure you schedule a Tune Up at least once a year to ensure that your heat pump is in peak condition for the heating and cooling seasons. Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!

  • Make sure you clear winter debris from around your heat pump to prevent blocked airflow. Decreased airflow means decreased efficiency.

Chilly Pepper HVAC