Understanding Your Heat Pump’s Defrost Cycle

Share to TwitterShare to LinkedInShare to PinterestHeat pumps have become a fast favorite among Orange County homeowners due to their reliable, energy-efficient heating and cooling performance. If you have one installed in your home, you may notice that it seems to run differently when it’s cold out. No worries–it’s just the heat pump going through its defrost cycle. A trusted heating and air conditioning company in the area, McMaster, expounds on this here.

What Exactly Is a Defrost Cycle?

Your heat pump will start its defrost cycle when the temperature of its outdoor coil drops below 32 degrees. This generally happens on a cold day, when frost has developed on the outdoor coil of your heat pump. You probably already know that a frozen coil can compromise the way your heat pump operates. The defrost cycle helps mitigate this by removing ice buildup on the coil, allowing the system to continue operating like it should.

How Will You Know Your Heat Pump Is in Defrost Mode?

When the heat pump switches from heating to cooling, that’s the defrost cycle being activated. You may also hear the reversing valve when this happens. If the indoor unit is running but the outdoor fan is off, this is another indication that your heat pump is in defrost mode. Just keep in mind that the defrost cycle occurs only during cold weather, lasting a maximum of 15 minutes. If the cycle activates in warmer temperatures and seems to be running for an extended period of time, you should have a trusted HVAC expert like McMaster take a closer look at it.

Since 1996, we’ve provided homeowners in the Irvine, CA, area with top-tier solutions to their HVAC needs. Our technicians are NATE-certified, so you can rest assured that any issues with your heat pump’s defrost cycle will be addressed in a timely and effective manner. At McMaster, delivering the best service is one of our top priorities.

Call Us Today

When it comes to high-quality heating and air conditioning services, look no further than McMaster. We’ll make sure you get the most out of your heat pump with our exceptional solutions. We proudly serve Irvine, CA, and the surrounding areas in Orange County. Call us today at (949) 481-7995 or fill out this contact form to schedule an HVAC evaluation.