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Lic. CAC1819196 · CFC1431159
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Heating Troubleshooting

Heat Pump Frozen Outside?

Ice on your outdoor heat pump in Tampa cold snap? Some ice normal during heating. Heavy ice = defrost cycle problem. CAC1819196.

Quick Answer

Heat pump icing in Tampa = (1) normal defrost cycle (briefly ices, then melts), (2) failed defrost control board ($299), (3) low refrigerant, or (4) fan blade issue. If heavy ice persists >2 hours: defrost cycle not working. Turn off, thaw, call for FREE diagnosis. Call (813) 343-2212.

Heat Pump Ice Causes

Normal Defrost Cycle

DIY possible

Symptom: Brief icing, then thaws every 30-90 minutes in heating mode.

Normal. No action needed.

Failed Defrost Board

Call a tech

Symptom: Heavy ice, defrost cycle not triggering.

Defrost control board $299.

Low Refrigerant

Call a tech

Symptom: Ice persists + weak heating + higher bills.

Leak repair + recharge $399-$599.

Fan Blade Issue

Call a tech

Symptom: Ice on outdoor fan blade or broken blade.

Fan blade replacement $349.

What to Do Right Now

  1. Observe, is ice brief (normal) or persistent (problem)?
  2. If heavy ice: turn off heat pump, let thaw 2 hours.
  3. Switch to EMERGENCY HEAT mode (uses heat strips only) while waiting.
  4. Call for FREE diagnosis.

FREE diagnosis. Defrost board: $299. Refrigerant: $399-$599. Fan blade: $349.

FAQ

Why do heat pumps ice up?

Normal in heating mode, the outdoor coil absorbs heat from air, moisture condenses and freezes. Defrost cycle melts it periodically.

How often defrost cycle?

Every 30-90 min during heating in humid Tampa cold. Brief (5-10 min), unit may blow cool air during.

Emergency heat mode?

Bypasses heat pump, uses electric resistance only. Much higher bill but keeps heat on while heat pump broken.

Can I knock off the ice?

No, bends fins, damages coil. Let it thaw naturally or use low-pressure water from hose.

Need Tampa Service Today?

Same-day Tampa Bay. FREE diagnosis. (813) 343-2212.

★★★★ 4.8 (1,333 verified reviews)
Verified4.8★ · 1,333 reviews
🛡 FL Licensed: CAC1819196 · CFC1431159💼 $1M General Liability + Workers’ Comp🏠 Family-owned since 2017⚡ Same-day service
★★★★★AC repair

Dusty did a great job and provided honest service and pricing for our AC repair. He also went above and beyond in giving sound advice on our new home renovations!

Dalton Grados · · Google
★★★★★AC repair

I have used this company for AC repairs and plumbing maintenance. They keep track of scheduled maintenance. It's easy to create appointments. Every technician who has sent here has been very helpful…

Kat · · Google
★★★★★

Home Therapist is dependable, reliable, trustworthy and knowledgeable and provides ALWAYS Great Service!!!

Ken Miller · · Google
★★★★★Water heater

I'm glad they use a texting system for reminders and when the tech is on the way. Alejandro has done out checkups the last few times and is always courteous and conscious…

Luis Fonseca · · Google
★★★★★Maintenance

Their yearly plan provides 2 inspections and a bunch of other services for less price than what many other companies are charging for a single service visit. And service has been perfect…

Dhruv Patel · · Google
★★★★★Plumbing

I had a great experience with Alejandro from Home Therapist Cooling, Heating, and Plumbing. He repaired two toilets and installed the water line to my new refrigerator after the delivery team refused…

Thomas Jones · · Google
★★★★★AC repair

Amazing service from start to finish. My AC system completely stopped working, and they were able to come out the same day, which was a huge relief. The technician was professional, knowledgeable,…

Manny Velasquez · · Google
★★★★★Water heater

As an engineer/fabricator/assembler, I have high standards from my contractors. This guy Sam, he fulfilled all my requests and installation needs. He took pride of his work, and left me with a…

ALEXANDROS ORESTIS · · Google
★★★★★Plumbing

A big THANK YOU to Home Therapist Cooling, Heating and Plumbing for running sewer pipes to our RV and shed! Samuel was beyond amazing! He was prompt, professional, and his communication style…

Mindy Walker · · Google
Latest review: May 2026 · auto-refreshed daily
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Reviewed by Richard MoralesCo-Owner & FL Class B Air Conditioning Contractor, Home Therapist

Richard co-owns Home Therapist Cooling, Heating, and Plumbing and holds the FL Class B Air Conditioning Contractor license (CAC1819196) since 2017. The company holds licenses CAC1819196 (FL Class B AC Contractor, Richard Morales) and CFC1431159 (FL Plumbing Contractor, Alex Morales), serving the Tampa Bay metro with a six-technician field team and 1,378+ verified five-star reviews.

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