Heat Pumps

Tips from Real-Estate-Agents.com

Because a heat pump operates like an air conditioner in reverse, the unit located outdoors is cold when blowing hot air indoors. When fog collects on the outdoor coils, it forms ice. It is then necessary for the system to switch into a defrost cycle to melt the ice outdoors. Thus, the outdoor coil becomes warm, creating cold air indoors until the defrost cycle is completed.

Heat pumps are equipped with heat strips to temper the cold air coming into the house during the defrost cycle. Have this checked to make sure this is working properly.

-- Tips courtesy of Service Magic