Maine winters are tough on HVAC systems. If you’ve noticed a thick layer of ice on your outdoor unit that won’t go away, it’s time to take action. At Moran Heat Pump Cleaning, we help Penobscot County homeowners understand when ice is normal and when it’s a problem.

Frost vs. Ice: What’s the Difference?

A light coating of frost is normal during a Maine winter. Your heat pump has a built-in “defrost cycle” designed to melt this frost periodically. However, if the unit is encased in a thick block of ice, the defrost cycle has failed.

Common Causes of Ice Buildup

• Restricted Airflow: Leaves, snow, or dirt blocking the outdoor coils.
• Faulty Defrost Sensor: The unit doesn’t know when to start the melting process.
• Low Refrigerant: A leak can cause the coils to get too cold, leading to rapid icing.

Never try to chip away ice with a sharp object, as you could puncture the coils. Instead, contact Moran Heat Pump Cleaning for a professional inspection and cleaning to restore your system’s efficiency.