What's Wrong With This Picture? To Ice or Not To Ice
ANSWER: Frigid Heat Pump
Houston, we have a problem...
One of these appliances has a problem. Can you guess which? Imagine the inspector's reaction upon walking around the corner and spotting these two heat pumps. Does he respond with surprise, shake his head, or run quickly to the disconnect box to deactivate the system? Maybe all three.
Heat Pumps have the unique ability to operate as air conditioners in the warm season and heating systems in the colder season. They are typically found in those climates where winter temps are only moderately cold (35F and above). When frost develops, a routine defrost cycle should occur. Colder temps will cause the activation of an auxiliary heat source. This does not seem to have occurred in this case.
Questions I might be asking? Simple frost, or thick ice? What has been the OAT (outside air temp) for the past few hours? Mid to low 30's? Why one unit and not the other? Initially, I suspect low refrigerant caused by a leak or insufficient air flow through the coil inside the unit. At any rate, it's time for service and maintenance.
Thank you, Bob McClure, from our Maryland inspection team for sharing this interesting picture with us!
