VERIFY QUESTION
Is it hard to get out of bed, because it's so cold in your house? If your heater has been struggling to keep up with the sub-freezing temperatures, many Triad homeowners can relate.
Joanne Vaden asked, "What can you use to keep snow and ice off a heat pump?"
VERIFY SOURCES
VERIFY PROCESS
PHVAC explained when you see frost on your heat pump, it's normal, just like frost on your shrubs or grass. Heat pumps contain refrigerant, which can be colder than the outside air. If it dips below the dew point and freezing point, that's when frost forms. Save yourself a costly repair call -- this is normal.
That said, ice is a different story. A thick layer of frost or ice could indicate a problem with your equipment. You know there is a problem if air is not passing through the heat pump fan easily. It also is a bad sign if frost still isn't melting off coils, after several hours. That is the time to call an HVAC professional.
Conditioned Air Solutions says you can remove snow or ice from the top of your heat pump, but don't touch the sides or you can damage the pump. That said, you don't want to cover your pump -- it can cause damage if snow melts and refreezes before water can drain out. Usually, your heat pump's defroster will melt the precipitation automatically.
VERIFY CONCLUSION
Overall, there isn't much a homeowner can do to prevent snow from forming on a heat pump. But, significant ice accumulation that does not melt is a red flag -- and a sign to call the HVAC professional.
Do you have a VERIFY inquiry? Send a note or selfie video of the question to Meghann Mollerus:
Facebook: Meghann Mollerus News
E-mail: Mmollerus@wfmy.com
Twitter: @MeghannMollerus