If you’re using a ductless mini split system to keep warm this winter, you may notice ice forming on the outside unit during operation. Don’t worry, this isn’t necessarily a problem. You should be aware of why it happens, however, as it can quickly become an issue if the system malfunctions. Let’s take a look at why ice forms on the outside portion of ductless systems, and what to do about it.
Ice Formation
As you probably already know, ductless systems heat homes by evaporating refrigerant to siphon heat from the air outside. Two things occur when the system does this. First, the temperature around the unit drops as heat is siphoned from the air. Second, condensation forms on the coil as the air is cooled past the dew point. If the temperature of the air around the unit drops below freezing, the condensate will freeze and form ice.
Now, the reason that this isn’t normally a problem is that ductless heating systems have a defrost cycle built-in. They will periodically reverse the flow of refrigerant through their systems to melt any ice off of the coil and keep it operating properly. If that defrost cycle malfunctions, however, you may have a problem.
When to Call for Repairs
If ice is allowed to build on your ductless heating system, it will cut off the coil from accessing the air it needs to heat the home. The weight of the ice can also warp the coil, eventually requiring that the whole part be replaced. If you notice that your ductless heater is slowly being encapsulated in ice, and it’s not going away, it may be time to call for repairs.
If your ductless heating system is icing up, call Roadrunner Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration. We offer a full range of ductless heating repair services throughout Las Vegas, NM.
