Heating/Air Conditioning Condenser (Outside) Covered in Frost.?

Question

We have a Heating/Air Conditioning Heat Pump Condenser (located outside of the home on concrete pad) that becomes covered in frost during cold temperatures. Didn't do this before last year.

What is causing this?
Should I be concerned?
If this is a problem, how can I fix it myself?

Advice please.
Thanks.

Answer 1

Heat pumps frost up during cold times (same as your refrigerator does). Integral to any heat pump is a defrost circuit. This problem is a mechanical failure and needs a HVAC tech to determine exactly what is wrong. If you are trying to get though the weekend, you can power down the heat pump (you should have an electrical disconnect outside by it – or use the breaker) to manually defrost.

Alternatively, your thermostat may have an emergency heat setting which would power down the heat pump and energized auxiliary heat strips in you fan coil.

Answer 2

Yes your defrost is not working, probably a bad defrost control circuit board or timer, you could also have a problem with your 4 way valve. Put your unit into cooling mode for a few minutes to test your 4 way valve and to melt the frost this is how a heat pump defrosts the outside coil. The heating elements are desighned to warm the air during defrost periods and to provide emergency heat should your compresor fail. You will probably need a tech.

Answer 3

YES many condensers have a heating element so, shut off power to the unit at the disconnect located outside. then when you cover the unit leave 3-4 inches on the bottom exposed. they do make covers that fir many units however, you can put a small tarp over it with three bungee cords one around and two over each side. boat wrap works the best but costs alot.

Answer 4

The weather is probably more humid, it's suppose to be frosty from condensing, that's what it's all about. Last year it was probably dryer. Don't do anything to it. Or. if your still in doubt, call a guy in and pay for the call time.