How to Prevent a Frozen Heat Pump in Winter Weather

Heat pumps are an energy efficient alternative to the traditional HVAC system, transferring hot air inside and outside of a home rather than expending energy to generate hot or cold air. Installing a heat pump can be a great choice for your home in the Bozeman area, cutting down on both your monthly energy bills and your environmental impact.

Heat pumps are built to withstand the frigid weather of a Montana winter but a lack of routine maintenance or particularly severe subzero temperatures may cause them to freeze. Follow these tips for preventing a frozen heat pump in your Bozeman home.

5 Strategies to Avoid a Frozen Heat Pump in Winter

1. Allow for Good Airflow. With air constantly flowing in and out of your heat pump, it’s crucial to make sure that proper airflow is maintained throughout the year to prevent a frozen heat pump in winter. If leaves or other debris clog up your heat pump, it can prevent good airflow and leave the unit more vulnerable to freezing. To make your heat pump less susceptible to debris, it’s best to avoid planting trees or bushes directly beside it. During winter, snow and ice may also accumulate on your heat pump and obstruct airflow. Regularly monitor your heat pump and remove any obstacles that could interrupt its heat transfer capabilities.
2. Change Indoor Air Filters Regularly. Your heat pump’s indoor air filters play a vital role by allowing your heat pump to maintain good airflow throughout the year. Dirt and dust will accumulate in indoor air filters over time, hindering the performance of your heat pump. When these filters become too dirty, the heat pump’s airflow will be restricted, leaving it more vulnerable to freezing during the winter in Montana. You can easily prevent this by checking your indoor air filters every three months and replacing them as needed to maintain proper airflow.
3. Install a Cover. Heat pumps in the Bozeman area often freeze during winter because snow or ice builds up on them, cutting off airflow. One of the best means of preventing a frozen heat pump is to install a protective cover over it, whether it’s one you purchase or one you build yourself. Just make sure that your heat pump cover is well-ventilated because if it restricts airflow or traps too much moisture inside the unit, it could wind up being more harmful than beneficial.
4. Monitor Refrigerant Levels. It’s necessary to keep the correct levels of refrigerant in your heat pump so that it continually operates as intended. When refrigerant levels drop too low, the evaporator coil becomes vulnerable to freezing during the cold winter weather in the Bozeman area. By extension, the entire heat pump will freeze over time. Routinely check the refrigerant levels of your heat pump to make sure they’re at the right level so heat transfer can occur as normal and freezing will be prevented.
5. Schedule Professional Maintenance. The best way to prevent a frozen heat pump in winter, and any other issues with the system, is to schedule annual heat pump maintenance services with a professional HVAC company in the Bozeman area. A certified technician can thoroughly inspect your heat pump to identify early warning signs of any problems that could cause a freeze during the winter months. Your HVAC company can also perform routine maintenance like cleaning off the coils and refilling refrigerant as needed. It’s best to schedule these annual maintenance visits in fall to make sure that your heat pump is working its hardest before winter arrives.

Keep Your Heat Pump Running with Expert HVAC Technicians in Bozeman

Preventing a frozen heat pump in winter is easiest when you work with a team of licensed HVAC technicians. Contact Monarch Heating and Cooling today for the most reliable heat pump maintenance services in the Bozeman area!