Author: Kevin

One of the biggest advantages of a heat pump is its ability to heat and cool your home with one system. However, during winter, you might notice frost on the outdoor unit and wonder: Can heat pumps freeze up?

While a thin layer of frost is normal, significant ice buildup can indicate a problem that requires attention. Let’s dive into why heat pumps freeze up, how to prevent it, and what to do if it happens.

What Causes a Heat Pump to Freeze Up?

When your heat pump operates in heating mode, the refrigerant inside the system passes through the outdoor coils, turning from vapor to liquid. This process creates condensation on the coils. If the outdoor temperature is below freezing, the condensation can turn into frost or ice.

While light frost is typical, thick ice accumulation on the exterior of the unit means your heat pump is frozen.

Common causes include:

• Low refrigerant levels
• Debris, snow or nearby objects blocking airflow
• A faulty defrost cycle

Is It Normal for a Heat Pump to Have Frost in Winter?

Yes, a light layer of frost on the heat pump during winter is normal, especially in freezing temperatures. The defrost cycle should activate periodically to melt the frost, allowing the system to function well.

If the frost becomes too thick, though, it can impact your heat pump’s performance. This is when you should investigate further or call a professional.

How Can I Prevent My Heat Pump From Freezing?

You can take a few steps to try to prevent the heat pump from freezing up:

• Clear the area around the unit. Ensure nothing is blocking airflow, and regularly trim plants and branches near the outdoor unit.
• Inspect gutters above the unit. Dropping water can freeze on the heat pump, so you’ll want to redirect or repair gutters to prevent this.
• Keep the unit clean and clear of any debris, dirt or snow.
• Check that the defrost cycle activates as needed during cold weather.

What Should I Do If My Heat Pump Freezes Up?

1. Turn off the heat pump to avoid damaging the system.
2. Set the thermostat to fan-only mode to promote airflow and encourage the ice to melt.
3. Activate the defrost cycle. Most modern heat pumps have one that should automatically melt the ice.
4. If these steps don’t help the issue, call a technician to inspect or repair your system.

Can a Frozen Heat Pump Damage the System?

Yes, running a frozen heat pump can lead to serious damage. Ice buildup can block airflow, forcing the system to work harder, increasing energy costs and wear, and damage internal parts such as the compressor. Not to mention that a frozen heat pump indicates low refrigerant levels – which, when run, can cause long-term damage.

It’s important that you address freezing issues quickly to avoid costly repairs.

Hummingbird Heating & Cooling – The Heat Pump Repair Experts You Can Trust

If your heat pump is freezing up frequently, don’t wait to get it checked. At Hummingbird, our experienced technicians will diagnose and resolve the issue quickly to return your home to its normal comfort level.

Call us today at (315) 399-9962 to schedule an inspection or repair appointment.

As winter approaches in Syracuse, NY, you may be asking yourself…

“How often should my furnace be serviced?”

Annual furnace service is typical; however, as the furnace ages, adding a second service call to your inspection schedule can be a good idea – especially when wintery conditions seem to linger here.

Recommended Frequency for Heater Servicing

Your energy usage patterns play a large role in determining your ideal heating system service schedule, and Syracuse homeowners know that cold temps can stick around for a number of months in north-central New York State.

If you have an older furnace, having tune-ups in early fall and mid-winter can give you confidence in your heater’s performance. A second service call gives technicians a chance to catch problems that happen after several weeks of usage.

Together, these services could prevent a costly breakdown in late winter that – given the level of cold – could jeopardize your health.

Signs You Need HVAC Servicing More Frequently

Furnace checkup tips-offs that you might need to increase HVAC servicing frequency include the following signs:

• Uneven or poor heating performance
• Rising energy bills with no obvious cause
• Odd noises or odors while the furnace is on
• Not matching the thermostat’s setting
• Weak airflow from vents

Is your furnace more than 10 years old? Any of these signs need immediate service.

How Regular Servicing Impacts Efficiency and Lifespan

You may wonder whether harsh climates affect your furnace’s lifespan. Because locals run their furnaces continuously for months, it’s normal that these heating habits would put extra stress on the heaters.

That’s partly why regular HVAC system care and maintenance can lengthen the lifespan of the furnace – maintenance visits keep your unit running at peak efficiency, which reduces stress on the overall system. A well-running system should last longer and consume less energy in the long run.

Benefits of Annual or Semi-Annual Maintenance

What are the primary benefits of furnace maintenance once or twice a year?

• Better energy efficiency
• Repairing small problems early
• Replacing parts before they break
• Cleaning the entire unit
• Ensuring safety features work

Issues That Routine Heater Servicing in Can Prevent

Having maintenance professionals inspect your heater once or twice a year can prevent issues that include:

• Major breakdowns in the middle of Syracuse’s winter
• Wasting energy through inefficient operation
• Uncomfortable temperatures through poor performance
• Leaks in ducts
• Dangerous leaks in gas lines
• Frayed or loose electrical wiring

Contact Hummingbird Heating & Cooling for Help

You want to be sure that your furnace is going to make it through the long winters in Syracuse, NY, so why not get in touch?

For peace of mind, call the Hummingbird team at (315) 399-9962 and decide the best way to handle your furnace maintenance and inspection schedule.

If you’re debating whether to tackle heating maintenance yourself or call in a professional, the answer is simple: leave it to the experts.

Regular maintenance is essential for keeping your furnace or heat pump running smoothly all winter long. Professional technicians can spot potential issues before they turn into costly repairs, saving you time and money in the long run.

Here’s how to know it’s time for maintenance, why it’s a must, and what you can expect from a thorough inspection.

Signs Your Heating System Needs a Performance Check

Keep an eye (and ear) out for these red flags that something isn’t right:

• Your system struggles to evenly heat your home, leaving rooms chilly while others are too warm.
• The furnace either won’t turn on or runs continuously without shutting off.
• You hear unusual noises like screeching, grinding or banging from the unit.
• Your pilot light is burning yellow instead of blue.
• You notice a burning smell, which could indicate a serious problem that needs immediate attention.

How Often Should You Schedule Heating Maintenance?

To keep your heating system running smoothly, it’s recommended to schedule maintenance at least once a year. If you want to be really sure that your unit is in top shape, scheduling maintenance twice a year is even better.

Don’t want the hassle of remembering? Sign up for our Early Bird Maintenance Plan, and we’ll take care of the scheduling for you, giving you a heads up when it’s time for an inspection! 

What Happens During an Inspection?

More than just a quick look, a proper inspection is a thorough checkup to ensure your system is working safely and efficiently. Here’s what you can expect:

• Electrical component testing, such as wiring, relays, and capacitors
• Lubricating moving parts to reduce friction and wear
• Inspecting the heat exchanger and ignition system
• Calibrating and testing the thermostat for accurate temperature control
• Cleaning and adjusting burners to improve fuel efficiency
• Replacing air filters to improve airflow and air quality

… and handling anything else your system needs to run in peak condition!

Why Is Maintenance Important?

Here’s just a sampling of the long-term benefits you’ll get from regular maintenance:

• Lower Heating Bills: Don’t want high energy costs this winter? Maintenance helps your system run at its best, saving you money each month.
• Improved System Efficiency: A well-maintained unit works smarter, not harder, keeping your home comfortable without wasting energy.
• Longer Lifespan: With proper care, your heating system can last over 15 years, giving you more value and fewer headaches.
• Fewer Costly Repairs: By catching small problems early, maintenance helps you avoid expensive, unexpected repairs down the road.
• Expert Guidance: Not sure whether to repair or replace your unit? Our pros provide honest advice, helping you make the best decision for your home.

Can You Handle HVAC Maintenance Yourself?

There are a few HVAC maintenance tasks you can handle on your own. For example, replacing the air filter is easy and helps keep your system running efficiently. You may also be able to calibrate your thermostat by following the instructions in your owner’s manual.

However, certain tasks should be left to the professionals – especially anything involving fuel or electrical components. Without proper training, trying to fix these issues can be dangerous and expensive, so it’s always best to call in the experts for those jobs.

Enjoy Sky-High HVAC Performance, Call Hummingbird Heating & Cooling Today

Is your furnace or heat pump acting up yet again? Give Hummingbird Heating & Cooling a call and we’ll soar to the rescue! We proudly serve homeowners throughout Syracuse, NY and beyond.

Contact us at (315) 399-9962 to schedule heating maintenance now.

Syracuse has 104 inches of snowfall annually (well beyond the U.S. average of 28), 42 fewer days of sunshine, and regular January lows of 15 degrees.

Because of this, its likely that homeowners would care more about turning on their heating systems than how they function – but knowing the latter will only help to do the former.

What Are The Different Types of Heating Systems, and How Do They Work?

All heating units fall under two main types of heating systems: forced air and radiant.

Forced Air Systems

Forced air systems contain an electric or gas heating component, such as a burner, which burns gas, propane, or another fuel. The fuel enters the heat exchanger, while the blower motor and fan actively pull in your existing household air and send it to the same location in the air handler compartment.

As the cool air passes over the heat exchanger, it warms up, and the household ductwork releases the controlled air back into your home. Because these systems use 100% of their electricity and fuel to create heat, they’re more energy efficient and heat quicker than their radiant counterparts.

Some forced air systems include:

• Natural gas, propane, or electric furnaces
• Heat pumps
• Ductless mini-splits

Cold climate heat pumps, in particular, are becoming a new source of heating in the Northeast, as they can operate even in temperatures below zero. This makes them a reliable option for extreme winter conditions.

Radiant Air Systems

Radiant systems work more passively by creating heat energy and carrying it via wires or water to household fixtures like radiators.

From there, the system allows the heat to dissipate into each room rather than forcing it out. That means surrounding air warms and rises so the cool air can fall to the heated floors or low-lying heating components for warming. These systems heat more slowly because of this convection process but work silently.

Examples include:

• Boiler-based systems like hydronic baseboard systems
• Passive solar that utilizes thermal heat from the sun
• Radiant floor heat that uses floor thermal mass

When Should You Call for Heating Services?

In most cases, unusual noises mean your system struggles to keep up with demands. For instance, rattling or banging means internal parts have shaken loose and are banging into one another, just as whistling or hissing indicates a water, air, or gas leak.

Other signs you should call a professional for a repair include when you notice:

• Leaks or pooling water
• A musty, fungal smell or rotten egg smell indicating a water or gas leak, respectively
• A yellow or flickering pilot light
• Higher heating bills
• Uneven heating or cold air blowing from a faulty thermostat or heating component

The Five-Star, Family-Centered Team You Need!

Understanding how your home’s heating system works will help you identify when your heater is displaying unusual activity.

Whether you want to learn more or schedule a service, call Hummingbird Heating & Cooling at 315-399-9962. We offer the #1 service in Syracuse, NY and the surrounding areas!