Heat Pumps Through a Panhandle Winter
Most Pensacola winters are short and mild, which suits heat pumps well. A few things are worth knowing for the occasional cold snap.
Request an AC technicianWarm, not hot
Heat pump air feels cooler than furnace air. That's normal; the system runs longer at a lower temperature.
Defrost
On cool, damp mornings the outdoor unit may pause to defrost and give off steam. It usually lasts a few minutes.
Backup heat
Electric heat strips help on the coldest days. Rare freezes, like the 5 °F recorded in January 1985, lean on them heavily.
Emergency heat
Use "emergency heat" only if the heat pump has failed. It runs on the backup strips alone and costs more.
Keep it clear
Leaves and pine needles collect around outdoor units in fall and winter. Clear them so air can flow.
Thermostat settings
Large setbacks overnight can bring on backup heat in the morning. Small, steady changes are more efficient.
Fall check
A quick check of defrost controls and backup heat in late fall avoids surprises.
More help
See heat pumps.
Strange noises
A whoosh when the system switches into or out of defrost is the reversing valve and is normal. Grinding, banging or a fan that won't spin are not, and need a technician.
Ice on the unit
A light frost that clears during defrost is fine. A thick block of ice that stays on the coil or the base points to a defrost or drainage problem and should be looked at.
Before guests arrive
If family is coming for the holidays, run the heat for a day beforehand. A burning-dust smell for the first few minutes is common after a long summer; a smell that lingers is worth checking.
More air conditioning guides
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