What it Means if Steam or Smoke Comes Out of Heat Pump

Heat pumps are quickly becoming a reliable and energy-efficient heating and cooling source in several households. They work similarly to air conditioners, except that heat pumps can reverse their operation during winters to keep the home warm, cozy, and comfortable. It makes the heat pump a valuable appliance that offers year-round usability. Apart from the two-in-one comfort, they also have other benefits like savings on annual utility bills, preventing condensation, air quality improvement, and lowering one's carbon footprint. 

As the temperature drops, some homeowners get worried after observing smoke emanating from the top of their outdoor unit. Steam or smoke coming out of any home heating appliance panics homeowners as they think that their newly installed system is faulty or on fire. However, steam coming out of a heat pump is a part of its routine operation and does not necessarily mean that something is wrong with the unit. Therefore, there is no reason for homeowners to feel worried or get panicked.

Why a heat pump steams or smokes

What homeowners see coming out of their heat pump is not smoke but steam. Even during winters, there is enough warmth outdoors to heat a home effectively. The heat pump extracts heat from the outside air and releases it indoors to maintain a comfortable environment. As the heat pump runs, it creates water condensation along the coil. When the outdoor temperature drops significantly and reaches near the freezing point, the water freezes, making it hard for the outdoor unit to perform its job effectively.

Heat pumps come with defrost control to check if the coils need defrosting to resume their operation. When it senses frozen coils, the heat pump reverses its cycle to work as an air conditioner for a short duration. The heat pump warms up and releases heat to melt the frost build-up. The steam that comes out of the heat pump on cold winter days is a result of melted ice being released into the air during defrosting. 

Once the defrost cycle ends, the outdoor unit automatically resumes its function and again acts as a heating unit. A heat pump defrosts once every few hours during colder days, and the cycle usually lasts for a few minutes.

Other symptoms of a defrosting heat pump

Steam coming out of a heat pump is not the only indicator that it is defrosting. The first sign of a defrosting heat pump is when the outdoor fan motor stops running. Several homeowners also experience foul odors indoors during the defrost cycle.

The process of the refrigerant flow changing direction creates a loud sound that may alarm homeowners. However, it is a common occurrence. There is another loud sound that comes when the heat pump again begins the heating cycle after defrosting. It indicates that the unit is back to generating heat. 

When to contact a professional

Get an HVAC repair and service company to inspect the heat pump if it fails to heat the home efficiently, stops defrosting, or repeatedly goes into the defrost mode even when the outside weather is not cold. 

Schedule preventative heat pump maintenance annually before the winter arrives to ensure optimal functioning, increase the unit's lifespan, and save money on utility bills.

Evenflow Home and Commercial Services offer residential and commercial electrical, plumbing, and HVAC services in San Antonio, Schertz, Converse, Floresville, Elmendorf, and surrounding cities. Call us at 210-941-3503 today!