Heat pump struggling

[Bob]

yes auxiliary heat is on ( it says) thermostat says 62. Inside thermometer is 66.
New air handler installed last summer. Don't know tonnage. Outside unit making funny noises.
Been running for hours. Thanks Bob for ur help

if I were in the neighborhood, I'd make a run over[r-22/gauge set/jack daniels], but i'm in O'town, and it was 81 this afternoon and i was running the ac in the car coming back from publix....the weather is crazy!

 

[Bob]

outside unit noises...like a whirring/grinding sound? that's a reverse cycle to defrost the coil....it may not be happening because of low charge is my guess if that's the case. if the outside unit is iced, you could run it in ac mode a short time to defrost it, but it will ice up quickly if it's low on charge....time to break out the thermals?

 

[pattymcbob]

Was told by ac repairman to switch to emergency heat as heat pump was freezing (outside racket is it breaking through the ice). Heat pumps aren't designed for icy conditions.

 

[steel1man]

I'd say frozen Bob. Will A/C running help this melt ?

 

[Bob]

yes!! it will defrost it....you are most likely down on charge

 

[steel1man]

yes!! it will defrost it....you are most likely down on charge

Bob you rock HVAC expert.
A/C for 30 minutes. Now warming inside. NOT
But in right direction. Will I need to reverse again before outside temp goes up ? Owe you a cold beer !!!

 

[steel1man]

Not hot but in right warm direction

 

[Matt J]

I'm with Bob, you've probably got a low charge and didn't notice it cause we haven't really needed A/C in the past few months and it's enough to get through a normal cold night.

 

[Zebraspots]

Taking a broom and a hair dryer to the outside unit might help.

 

[steel1man]

Taking a broom and a hair dryer to the outside unit might help.

. I guess if I can get ice of the outside of the unit it will heat better?