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Home and Life Comfort with Derek ColeAuthor: Derek Cole Language: en Genres: Home & Garden, Leisure Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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678. Is Your Heat Pump Broken After the Storm? Ice, Steam, Aux Heat Explained | Deep Dive Ep 678
Monday, 2 February, 2026
Deep Dive of Derek Cole's article: https://www.simmonsonehour.com/blog/s... Episode 678 of the Home & Life Comfort PodcastSnowstorms always bring the same heat pump worries:Is that steam normal?Why is there ice on the outdoor unit?Why does it feel like it’s blowing cool air?And what does “Aux Heat” actually mean?In this deep dive, I break down what’s normal winter heat pump behavior… and what are true warning signs that you need to call a professional.Most heat pumps will frost up during freezing weather and then clear themselves off with a defrost cycle. That can look dramatic — steam, longer run times, even Aux Heat turning on — but it’s often completely normal.But there is a line between normal winter operation and a real mechanical problem.In this video, we cover:Why heat pumps ice up after snow and sleetWhat the defrost cycle is (and why steam is usually NOT smoke)Why your system may run nonstop during extreme coldWhat Aux Heat means — and when it’s expectedWhen NOT to switch to Emergency HeatThe real warning signs: solid ice encasement, fan failure, falling indoor tempsIf your heat pump is acting up after the storm, this video will help you know when to relax… and when to pick up the phone.📍Serving the Sandhills and surrounding areas: Fayetteville, Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Laurinburg, Lumberton, Sanford, and beyond.If you have questions, drop them in the comments — happy to help.
