Heat pump struggling

[Zebraspots]

It won't have to work so hard to get air. Looks like most of the vents are blocked.

 

[Bob]

yes, but the ice will reappear in these extreme temps

 

[Bob]

it's a guess, but if you got another cold night the tendency will be to ice up again. the weird noise was most likely the reversing valve and the outside unit struggling to defrost.

 

[Bob]

if you have to, hose it off and hit with a yard blower to displace the water.....get freon when the chaotic weather subsides.

 

[Bob]

yes, because your charge is most likely weak...you'll need to ...I would check it with the flashlight tonight...if you can you might be able to run aux heat only[look at your thermostat] and give the outside unit a rest at bedtime.

 

[steel1man]

yes, because your charge is most likely weak...you'll need to ...I would check it with the flashlight tonight...if you can you might be able to run aux heat only[look at your thermostat] and give the outside unit a rest at bedtime.

Bob last summer I had a new air handler installed. Now the emergency heater is blowing cold air it now appears company hooked it up wrong. Repairs tomorrow.
Throw on some extra blankets and suck it up.
May try that A/C running thing again later. It worked this AM. To late, dark and cold to worry about the ice. Home warranty insurance paying for fix. Maybe they will have to just replace entire outside unit. Thanks everyone for help. It is a Three Dog Night.

 

[Lake View Too]

Sorry, Steel, but I borrowed two of your dogs for the night. I know, kind of cold of me, but ya know...

 

[Bob]

Man o man, tough night!....I was going to tall you to trip the breaker by the outside unit and run strips. The installer could have wired it wrong or installed the old strip that has since failed, or just did not install a strip or wrong specs. I had a 5 ton heat pump that lasted about 12 plus years, but decided on a straight cool and strip heat over the heat pump because we rarely get the bad cold further south than Interstate 4. I'm guessing they high pressure nitrogen purge the system if it's r-22[leak check] and recharge you, check, replace wiring and strips. Ask the AC guy if the air handler is the proper size for the outside unit and if the wiring is correct. Also request that he check your thermostat for a "swing" feature so it's not cycling on and off for one degree temp changes[honeywell is the worst for this]. The swing feature allows longer unit runs, is easier on the compressor, and saves you power because of repetitive power spikes to start the system too much per hour.

 

[Matt J]

Close the doors and vents to rooms you're not using, tuck a towel under the door too. Of course be cautious if said room has pipes in it. It'll take some load off the a/c and might get you through the night.

Hopefully it goes without saying that a temporary heater that uses any kind of flammable gas or liquid is a bad idea.

 

[steel1man]

Man o man, tough night!....I was going to tall you to trip the breaker by the outside unit and run strips. The installer could have wired it wrong or installed the old strip that has since failed, or just did not install a strip or wrong specs. I had a 5 ton heat pump that lasted about 12 plus years, but decided on a straight cool and strip heat over the heat pump because we rarely get the bad cold further south than Interstate 4. I'm guessing they high pressure nitrogen purge the system if it's r-22[leak check] and recharge you, check, replace wiring and strips. Ask the AC guy if the air handler is the proper size for the outside unit and if the wiring is correct. Also request that he check your thermostat for a "swing" feature so it's not cycling on and off for one degree temp changes[honeywell is the worst for this]. The swing feature allows longer unit runs, is easier on the compressor, and saves you power because of repetitive power spikes to start the system too much per hour.

made the night. 26 outside and 51 inside unit off all night. Headed to 48 today should melt ice and repair guy suppose to show. Either way will be warmer tonight. 70's Saturday #polarpanhandle in rear view mirror. Thanks guys