Does anyone have an air to air heat pump... and how is it coping with the cold temps...

[toggleswitch2]

Jackson:

The electric resistance coils (or whatever your backup "emergency" heat is) should be energized during the defrost cycle/period in that defrost is nothing more than the system funcitning as an air-conditioner moving heat from inside the home to the outside unit, except that the outside unit's fan is "OFF". This can rapidly chill a home in winter if the backup heater does not run concurrently with a defrost cycle.

As a matter of fact the electric backup heat is so fast and effective that frequently a defrost cycle stops midway because the home/indoor thermostat becomes satisfied. Upon the next call for heat, it (the defrost cycle) then continues!

So one wants to make sure that an outside sensor does NOT cut off the electric-coil heat during defrosts, and that the electric-resistance heating coil runs during a defrost cycle.

BTW, if your home thermosat is an older model that has mercury in tubes within, please ensure that it is level, or temperature fluctions will result.

 

[richardc1983]

The defrost cycle in the uk involves the indoor fan being off so as not to cool the home down and experience cold draughts and the outdoor fan runs unless the temp is below 0C in which case it is turned off.

 

[whirlaway]

Gas Boiler

I love my old hot water gas boiler,keeps the house nice and warm and not dry,I can put a little Vics vapo rub in a pot of water by my bed and sleep if I feel the sniffles coming on,the radiator is so good for that.