Heat pump not defrosting — Los Angeles, California
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 Los Angeles
LA's dry heat and poor air quality from wildfires and smog make air conditioning and filtration essential. Many homes lack ducted systems and rely on mini-splits or window units. Santa Ana winds and extreme heat events strain cooling systems to failure.
Who to call
For this problem in Los Angeles, call a: Klimaattechnicus
Vind een Klimaattechnicus in Los AngelesSymptoms 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 Los Angeles
Emergency services in Los Angeles typically respond within 30–60 minutes during business hours, but traffic can extend response times to 2+ hours across the metro area. After-hours emergency plumbing and electrical services run $125–$250/hour. California law requires contractors to be licensed for work over $500.