Identifying and Solving Common Winter Issues with Your Central Heat Pump
Every winter, residents of the Rive-Nord encounter a particularly frustrating issue: their central heat pump suddenly stops heating efficiently right in the heart of January. At first glance, this problem can seem inexplicable and alarming, but in reality, there are several clear and well-defined reasons behind this issue. At AirGreen, we regularly handle situations like these and are well-acquainted with the unique characteristics of central heat pump installations in Laval, Montréal, Longueuil, and throughout the Rive-Nord and South Shore.
This article will explain precisely why your heat pump might encounter these difficulties during winter, and the effective solutions you can implement to quickly restore optimal comfort in your home.
Common Reasons Heat Pumps Stop Heating in Winter
When outdoor temperatures drop below -15°C, some central heat pumps can significantly lose their efficiency. Here are the main reasons:
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Excessive ice formation on the outdoor unit:
During cold periods, it's normal for ice to form on a heat pump’s outdoor unit. However, excessive buildup can prevent the unit from properly transferring heat. For instance, in Boisbriand, we recently encountered this issue with a Bosch IDS Premium central heat pump, where heavy ice accumulation completely blocked the heat exchanger, requiring quick intervention by our technicians. -
Faulty defrost cycle:
Modern heat pumps come equipped with an automatic defrost cycle. If this cycle is poorly adjusted or defective, your appliance could enter defrost mode too frequently or, conversely, never at all. In Saint-Eustache, an installation of a Fujitsu KZAH central heat pump experienced exactly this problem, drastically reducing its heating capacity. -
Incorrect sizing or model selection:
Installing a heat pump improperly matched to your home’s size or insulation can also cause sudden heating failures. During an intervention in Blainville, we replaced an undersized unit (a Goodman R-32 central heat pump, 24000 BTU) with a more powerful model to restore consistent and efficient heating.
How to Quickly Diagnose a Heat Pump Failure?
If your central heat pump stops heating during the coldest part of winter, here are some simple steps to take before calling our specialized technicians:
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Visually inspect your outdoor unit: Check if it is covered with ice. A thin layer is normal, but heavy buildup demands immediate professional intervention.
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Check the thermostat: Ensure it's correctly set to heating mode and that the programmed temperature is appropriate.
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Carefully listen to your heat pump: Unusual noises like buzzing, hissing, or excessive vibrations often indicate a technical issue that needs prompt attention by professionals.
Effective Solutions and Common Interventions by AirGreen
At AirGreen, our specialized technicians regularly address these issues across the Rive-Nord region—from Laval to Terrebonne, Mirabel, and Saint-Jérôme. Here’s how we typically handle these delicate situations:
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Complete professional defrosting: Our technicians safely and thoroughly defrost your outdoor unit, followed by rigorous inspections to prevent the rapid recurrence of the issue.
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Repair or adjustment of the defrost cycle: We recalibrate or repair the defrost mechanism, ensuring your heat pump regains optimal performance even during the coldest periods.
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Professional evaluation for resizing: If your current appliance is improperly sized, we provide a precise diagnostic and recommend a solution tailored to your home and energy needs.
The Importance of Regular Maintenance to Prevent Winter Breakdowns
While certain breakdowns are unavoidable, regular preventive maintenance performed by our certified technicians can significantly reduce the risk of winter failures. We strongly recommend annual maintenance for all our clients across the Rive-Nord, South Shore, as well as Montréal and surrounding areas, especially before extreme cold weather arrives.
During typical preventive maintenance, we perform:
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A thorough inspection of the entire system.
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Complete cleaning of the outdoor unit to ensure optimal airflow.
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Checking and precise adjustment of the defrost cycle settings.
Concrete Examples of Successful Resolutions by AirGreen on the Rive-Nord
Here are recent examples where our expertise quickly restored our clients' thermal comfort:
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Mascouche: On an installation of a Lennox central heat pump, we quickly identified an incorrectly set defrost cycle. A simple recalibration immediately restored normal operation.
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Deux-Montagnes: A complete defrost performed by our technicians permanently resolved severe ice buildup on a Gree Extreme central heat pump.
Energy Savings and Available Grants
Remember that interventions on central heat pumps can qualify for grants like those offered by Hydro-Québec (LogisVert program). Our technicians guide you through the application process to benefit from these financial aids, facilitating improvements in your home's energy efficiency.