Heat pumps have a defrost provision built in to the outdoor unit. This may be a mechanical timer on older units. Newer units use an electric/ electronic system. If you are asking how you "use" it it sounds like it's broke. To "use" it I will explain how to put into an over-ride. Older timers have a motor that drives a cam that opens and closes microswitches. You would advance the shaft with a screwdriver to change states. The electronic units have a "test" setup with pins on a circuit board (defrost control board), that you would jumper. If a mechanical timer, check that the motor advances on its own. This will verify that the motor/ timer is good or bad. Most units have a thermostat or sensor that detects the presence of ice and begins the auto-defrost cycle. If all is good initiating it manually, see if the stat or sensor isn't bad. lc
About 10% during the outdoor temperature from about 40 degrees to 20 degrees. Not a lot beyond those temperatures that make frost on the outdoor coil...assuming you have a unit with a good electronic defrost control.
Yes a compressor will run the entire heating and cooling cycle, unless its in emergency heat in which case you will not have compressor operation. Defrost cycle is the AC mode except the outdoor fan is de energized to assist in the defrosting of the outdoor coil.
Imagine a window AC unit installed backwards, rejecting heat indoors while air conditioning the world, this is a heat pumps heat mode. As the unit is air conditioning in the cool outdoors eventually the outdoor coil will ice up requiring a defrost cycle, defrost is the AC mode except the outdoor fans off to assist with the defrosting. A defrost cycle is time and temperature initiated, time or temperature terminated.
Yes both indoor and outdoor fans will operate, the only time 1 will stop in heat mode is in defrost the outdoor one stops briefly to defrost better,
The defrost cycle on an outdoor AC unit is a process that temporarily reverses the refrigeration cycle to melt any accumulated ice on the evaporator coils. This is particularly important in heat pump systems during cold weather, as ice buildup can hinder efficiency and airflow. The unit switches to heating mode, raising the temperature of the coils to facilitate melting, after which it returns to normal cooling or heating operation. This cycle helps maintain optimal performance and prevent damage to the system.
do you have a heat pump? are you running unit in heat? if so and the steam is comming from outside unit, this is normal in the units defrost cycle
The purpose of the freezer defrost cycle is to remove ice buildup inside the freezer. This helps maintain the efficiency of the appliance by preventing excessive ice from forming, which can reduce the freezer's ability to cool properly and increase energy consumption.
Random (Off-cycle) and Planned
A defrost timer is typically used to control the defrost cycle in a domestic freezer. This timer switches the freezer from cooling mode to defrost mode at set intervals to prevent ice build-up.
To defrost a heat pump, you typically need to switch it to the defrost mode, which temporarily reverses the refrigeration cycle to warm the outdoor coils and melt any accumulated ice. Make sure the heat pump runs for a sufficient duration to allow the melting process to occur. Additionally, ensure that the air filter and outdoor unit are clean to promote efficient airflow, which can help prevent excessive ice buildup. If ice continues to form, it may indicate a maintenance issue that requires professional attention.
The purpose of the defrost cycle in a freezer is to prevent the buildup of ice and frost on the evaporator coils, which can reduce the efficiency of the freezer and make it harder for it to maintain a consistent temperature.
The operation of the electric defrost heater and the hot gas solenoid is typically controlled by the defrost timer or a defrost control board in refrigeration systems. These components regulate the timing and activation of the defrost cycle, determining when to heat the evaporator coils to remove frost buildup. In some systems, a thermostat may also play a role by monitoring the temperature and signaling when defrosting is necessary.