Defrost Cycle on Heat Pump

[SamSpade]

I hate this thing. I know what it is *supposed* to do - it thinks there's frost or ice on the heat pump, and it works in reverse to get the ice off.

But it's not detecting ice - it's cycling based on time and temperature. In my experience, it almost never has any, but I'll be damned if that thing blows cold air in my house on the coldest nights of the year.

How do you "fool" it? It IS going to alternate heat - which it shouldn't - but it is clearly cooling the house and then heating it, using electricity both times.
I can't think of how wasteful this is.

Does anyone know a "trick"?

 

[Ken King]

Just a guess, but I suspect that your "auxiliary heat" isn't coming on (though indicated) to temper heat loss during defrost cycle. Call a tech.

 

[Kyle]

Does anyone know a "trick"?

Replace with gas or oil.

 

[DoWhat]

On your thermostat select E-Heat and call a tech, like Ken said.
Your heat pump should not be coming on in these temps.

 

[struggler44]

Might be low on refrigerant or it could be the compressor is worn..... not much heat outside for it to keep the discharge pressure up