is it normal for a heat pump to get ice on the outside box?

Answer 1

Yes it's normal. And after the unit accumulates so much ice it reverses the cycle and runs as an air conditioner for a period of time sufficient to move enough heat from inside the house to the outside unit to thaw/remove the ice. After this the unit again reverses the cycle and continues to operate as a heat pump and moves heat from the outside to inside the home.

Answer 2

It is normal. Heat pumps go through a defrost cycle to get the ice off the outdoor coil.

Answer 3

the same as Harold's answer it reverses the flow of ref. to defrost the outside coil also turns on the electric heat inside so the change of flow unnoticeable

Answer 4

Yes,
It has something to do with the range of temperatures at whush the unit runs optimally. We use them often ot work for various boring stuff, and our maintenance man told me how the whole thing works one time.

Answer 5

Yes

Answer 6

i live in alabama and we dont get below 20 so mine has never did that but it probably will if the weather gets really cold