Have you noticed that your air conditioning stopped heating on a cold day? Don’t worry, this is not a malfunction in your reverse-cycle air conditioning. Instead, it may have just entered defrost mode.
What is the defrost cycle in air conditioners?
The defrost cycle in air conditioners is a built-in self-maintenance system that helps the outside unit to melt ice that can form at colder temperatures. That happens because when heat pumps start heating your home, the outdoor unit absorbs the heat from the cold outside air. As a result, the moisture can freeze on the outdoor coil over time.
Because heat pumps can’t operate properly if the outdoor coil is blocked with ice, your air conditioning may start the defrost cycle automatically.
How can I tell if my heat pump is in defrost mode?
There are clear signs when your reverse-cycle air conditioner starts to defrost:
- The air conditioner fan stops working, but the compressor keeps running.
- The heat pump stops the heating function.
- Some remote controls might warn you that the defrost cycle has begun.
- You might see steam and water coming out of the outside unit.
How often do heat pumps perform the defrost cycle?
Honestly, it depends on the weather and temperature outside. During heating mode, a reverse-cycle air conditioner could defrost every 90 minutes, and each cycle takes approximately 5 to 15 minutes to be completed.
However, this is not a strict rule. As noted, the frequency and duration of a defrost cycle depend on the outside temperature, humidity levels, and the system’s cleaning conditions.
How to reduce the frequency of aircon defrosting cycle?
Defrosting your air conditioner is part of the maintenance cycle and shouldn’t be completely avoided. However, there are ways to reduce the frequency with which your heating and cooling system enters defrost mode:
- Make sure your air conditioner is properly functioning and don’t skip maintenance service.
- Don’t set your thermostat too high. Global standard room temperatures range between 20 and 22 degrees. Proper insulation can help your home feel warmer without increasing your heat pump use.
- Make sure your outdoor unit is not being blocked, and that water can easily drain.
- The outdoor unit must be placed off the ground so it doesn’t sit in a pond of cold water.
Is it necessary to reverse-cycle air conditioning to go on defrost mode?
Yes. While it might not be pleasant to wait for it to complete the defrost cycle, this is a very important step to maintain your heat pump’s heating performance at full capacity and extend the lifespan of your system.
What to do when my aircon starts the defrosting cycle?
The best thing to do when your air conditioning enters defrost mode is to do nothing. Let your heat pump complete the cycle on its own and make sure you don’t turn it off.
Once it’s finished, you can double-check the outside unit to make sure the ice has melted and the unit is free of obstructions.
When to contact an air conditioner specialist like Sackett Services?
If you spot thick, solid ice on your outdoor unit, it might indicate that your system has an airflow blockage and isn’t melting it on its own. In this case, it’s best to contact Sackett Services so a technician can inspect your air conditioner system.
You should also seek professional advice if your heat pump performs excessive defrost cycles or still fails to heat your home even after the defrost cycle finishes.
In summary, regular servicing and maintenance of your heating and cooling systems can help your reverse-cycle air conditioner operate efficiently, reduce unnecessary defrost cycles and prevent minor issues from becoming more serious.