Is it normal for my air conditioner to freeze?
The outdoor unit of your air conditioner can sometimes freeze during the winter months. Is this something to worry about, and what can you do about it?
The outdoor unit of split heat pump systems is sensitive to sub-zero temperatures, which can cause ice to form on its surface. But how does this happen exactly? We'll tell you all about it in this article.
How does a heat pump system work when it freezes?
A heat pump system works by extracting heat from the outside air, even at sub-zero temperatures. With split heat pump systems, this is done by a fan that draws air over a heat exchanger.
Why does heat pump equipment freeze?
Humidity levels are often high in winter. When humid air passes through the outdoor unit and comes into contact with the cold metal parts of the heat pump system, the moisture can freeze.
Is it normal for heat pump equipment to freeze?
Yes, it's perfectly normal, so there's no need for concern. All Daikin heat pump systems have an automatic defrost feature. This detects ice forming on the outdoor unit and automatically defrosts it. This means you don't have to do anything, and there's no need to contact an installer. During defrosting, the flow of refrigerant reverses, releasing heat to melt the ice.