Maximize Your Ductless Mini Split for Optimal Performance During Cooler Temps

tools-optimizing ductles mini split, Long Island, New YorkOver the years, ductless mini split technology has improved greatly, making it a more viable heating solution in cooler climates. Follow these tips to maximize your ductless mini split for optimal performance during cooler temperatures. Continue reading “Maximize Your Ductless Mini Split for Optimal Performance During Cooler Temps”

A Heat Pump Air Conditioner Needs Regular Maintenance

heat pump air conditioner maintenance, Long Island, New YorkYour heat pump air conditioner requires regular maintenance to keep it running efficiently and to help you save money on your energy costs. Continue reading “A Heat Pump Air Conditioner Needs Regular Maintenance”

Your A/C Installation: You Know About Manual J and Manual D, but What About Manual S?

a/c installation, Long Island, New YorkIf you haven’t undertaken an A/C installation before (or at least a proper A/C upgrade or installation), you may be surprised by the volume of information acquired. Continue reading “Your A/C Installation: You Know About Manual J and Manual D, but What About Manual S?”

Geothermal Cooling and Heating: What’s Good for You Is Good for the Planet, Too

geothermal heating and cooling, Long Island, New YorkIf you’ve researched your HVAC options, you may know that geothermal cooling and heating systems are some of the most efficient systems on the market. But you might not be aware that they’re some of the most environmentally friendly, as well. Continue reading “Geothermal Cooling and Heating: What’s Good for You Is Good for the Planet, Too”

Heat Pump in High Gear? Don’t Let It Freeze Up

Heat Pump Long IslandCold, snow and ice is an expected part of your life in the Long Island area during the winter. If your heating system includes an outdoor heat pump, you can expect ice or frost to form occasionally on the system coils. However, if your heat pump should become completely covered by ice, immediate attention is required.

Heat pumps are equipped with a defrost cycle which will engage to rid the coils of small amounts of ice or frost. The defrost cycle will typically run for two to 10 minutes before returning to normal heating mode. When this switch occurs, you’ll typically hear a whooshing sound and see a small water vapor cloud rise from the outdoor unit.

If your heat pump is not properly defrosting, there are several possible causes. A typical homeowner can address some of these, while others will require a trained service technician.

Heat pump troubleshooting techniques

  • Make sure the area under and  around the outdoor unit is not blocked. Clear away leaves or snow drifts.
  • Check to determine if the unit has sunk into the ground. This could keep melted ice or snow from draining away from the unit.
  • Ice buildup can be caused by a leaking gutter or misdirected drain spout. Fix or replace the gutter and direct all drain spouts away from the unit.
  • Freezing rain and/or ice storms can encase the entire unit. Turn off the unit and use a garden hose to remove the ice.  Never use an ice pick or other sharp object to chip off the ice; coils are easily damaged.

 

Other possible reasons for ice building up on your heat pump

  • The unit requires refrigerant charge.
  • Defrost system relay, control, timer, sensor and/or thermostat isn’t functioning and needs replacement.
  • The reversing valve is sticking or there’s a bad valve solenoid coil.
  • The outdoor fan motor needs to be replaced.

These last items require a skilled and knowledgeable service technician.

For more information or to schedule repair of your heat pump, contact the experts at T.F. O’Brien Cooling & Heating. We proudly serve homeowners in the Long Island area.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about other HVAC topics,  download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Image via  Shutterstock.com

Upgrading? 3 Heat Pump Features You Shouldn’t Ignore

heat pump features, Long Island, New YorkNumerous advances have been made in heat pump technology over the years, making these systems more popular in the Northeast. If you’re thinking about upgrading to a heat pump, there are three heat-pump features you’ll want to take into consideration before you make your next purchase. Continue reading “Upgrading? 3 Heat Pump Features You Shouldn’t Ignore”

Understand HVAC Efficiency Ratings To Get More Bang For Your Buck

hvac efficiency ratings, upgrade efficiency, Long Island, New YorkIf the air conditioner or heat pump in your Long Island home is ready for a replacement or upgrade, understanding HVAC efficiency ratings terminology will help you get the best return on your investment.   Continue reading “Understand HVAC Efficiency Ratings To Get More Bang For Your Buck”

The Geothermal Heat Pump: Weighing Up-Front Cost Against Long-Term Savings

geothermal heat pump, Long Island, New YorkIt seems like everyone is talking about energy efficiency these days, and with good reason. Energy costs are on the rise, and some of the fuels that give us energy are bad for the environment. It just makes sense to use less energy whenever we can, not only to help out our wallets but also our planet. Continue reading “The Geothermal Heat Pump: Weighing Up-Front Cost Against Long-Term Savings”

Troubleshooting Tips To Try To Get Your Heat Pump Working Properly

Heat Pump Troubleshooting tips Long Island, NY areaWhen your heat pump starts to give you trouble, it’s only natural to want to find the simplest and most affordable solution. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of simple – and more importantly, safe – heat-pump troubleshooting tips for Long Island homeowners. Continue reading “Troubleshooting Tips To Try To Get Your Heat Pump Working Properly”