Heat pump not defrosting — Larnaca, Larnaca
Heat pumps naturally build frost on the outdoor coil in cold weather, and they run automatic defrost cycles every 30–90 minutes to melt it off. When defrost fails, ice encases the entire outdoor unit, blocking airflow and destroying efficiency — you'll notice lukewarm air from the vents and the compressor running constantly. Common causes are a faulty defrost control board or timer, a stuck reversing valve (which flips the system to cooling mode temporarily to defrost), a bad defrost thermostat or sensor, or a refrigerant leak that alters coil temperature. An HVAC technician can diagnose the failed component, replace the board, sensor, or valve, and verify proper defrost cycling before ice damages the compressor.
Waarom dit veel voorkomt in Larnaca
Air conditioning is essential in Larnaca summers (32–38°C with high humidity), and AC failures during July–August are emergencies for short-term rental hosts serving airport traffic. Combined coastal salt-air and salt-lake humidity accelerate outdoor condenser corrosion more than a single exposure would. F-Gas certified technicians (EU regulation) are required for refrigerant handling.
Who to call
For this problem in Larnaca, call a: Klimaattechnicus
Vind een Klimaattechnicus in LarnacaSymptoms to look for
- Thick layer of ice on the entire outdoor heat pump unit
- Lukewarm or cool air blowing from vents when set to heat
- Outdoor unit fan runs constantly but never switches to defrost mode
- Higher than usual electricity bills during heating season
- Compressor makes laboring or unusual sounds under heavy ice load
Spoeddienst in Larnaca
Emergency services in Larnaca respond within 30–90 minutes in the urban core, Finikoudes, and Mackenzie (faster near the city centre and airport corridor, slower in outlying villages). Callout rates run €40–€110 plus €25–€55/hour — broadly in line with Paphos and below Limassol. Russian-speaking contractor availability is growing with the post-2022 community but most dispatchers still operate in Greek and English first.