Avoiding Freeze-Ups: Tips for Homeowners When Upgrading Your Heat Pump

In need of reliable Heating and Air Conditioning? Based in Dandridge, our team specializes in top-quality Heating and Air Conditioning in Dandridge.

It’s not uncommon for an aging heat pump to develop ice on its coils, cutting off airflow and leaving you without comfort. That’s just what happened to one homeowner when their system froze repeatedly, forcing them to turn it off each time to let it thaw. Frustrated with the constant hassle, they called HEP for help.

Our HEP technician arrived to find the refrigerant level low and traced the issue to a small leak in the evaporator coil. After discussing repair versus replacing the entire unit, the homeowner opted for a full upgrade. The old 3-ton package heat pump was removed and replaced with a modern 4-ton, 15 SEER, two-stage packaged heat pump mounted on a new concrete pad. We also installed a dedicated electrical disconnect and updated wiring, added a whole-home surge protector, and swapped in a user-friendly digital thermostat. Once everything was up and running, the freeze-ups stopped and consistent comfort returned.

Below are some practical tips drawn from this Dandridge project to help you safeguard your home’s HVAC system.

1. Monitor Refrigerant Levels and Watch for Ice

Low refrigerant can lead to coil icing and reduced airflow. At the first sign of frost buildup, reach out to a qualified technician to check pressure levels and locate potential leaks before damage occurs.

2. Choose the Right Size and Efficiency

An undersized unit works harder and is more prone to freeze-ups and wear. Upsizing from a 3-ton to a 4-ton heat pump in this case helped the system reach set temperatures smoothly and reduced on/off cycling.

3. Ensure a Solid, Level Foundation

A level, hurricane-proof pad prevents vibration and promotes proper condensate drainage. Our HEP technician always uses precision levels to confirm stability during installation.

4. Upgrade Electrical Connections and Add Surge Protection

A dedicated disconnect switch makes servicing safer, and a whole-home surge protector shields your investment from voltage spikes. Both are key to extending equipment life.

5. Install a User-Friendly Thermostat

Modern digital thermostats offer precise control and scheduling features. During the upgrade, we showed the homeowner how to program temperature settings for maximum comfort and efficiency.

6. Seal and Insulate Duct Connections

Tightly sealed ducts prevent air leaks and energy loss. Our technicians verify that every junction is properly insulated and taped to keep conditioned air flowing where it belongs.

By following these guidelines and working with experienced HEP technicians, homeowners in Dandridge can enjoy reliable, efficient Heating and Air Conditioning without the worry of freeze-ups or unexpected breakdowns. If your system shows signs of icing or inefficient operation, don’t wait—give us a call for a professional evaluation and upgrade.

Published on September 8, 2025