Fixing a Frozen Heat Pump: Troubleshooting and Replacing your Defrost Control Panel

Control Panel Replacement at 1:40
Heat Pumps are an energy efficient way to keep your home warm. Since the outside coils drop to sub-freezing temperatures in order to function, frost build up is a frequent occurrence. Small amounts of ice for an hour or so are expected, however if the ice accumulates, then likely the defrost cycle is malfunctioning.
All residential heat pump units function in the same way whether from Goodman, Trane, or Carrier. There is a small circuit board called the defrost control panel which detects freezing conditions and initiates a defrost cycle. A control panel failure is the most common cause and is an easy DIY fix. It is important to fix a defrost issue as soon as possible because excessive ice can damage your unit as well as increase your electricity costs as the system relies on auxiliary or emergency heat. HVAC technicians charge hundreds for this repair even though the panel is under $100 and can be swapped out in ten minutes.
In this video show you how to troubleshoot the defrost control panel and replace it.

[@danaeverhart6487]

It’s a Goodman with a bad defrost board. Imagine that!!!

[@codythacker4745]

Great video you can see how the blue parts on the board were slightly brown those resistors on my board were also shot must be common😅

[@t3chm8]

Thank you so much for this video, exactly what I needed👌

[@practicalhomeprojects]

Glad it was helpful!

[@capac1jah]

On the final test I noticed your finger was touching the copper on the jumper wire. How come you did not get a shock? Good explanations.

[@practicalhomeprojects]

Hi there, I should have been more careful. I believe that these sensor circuits are a much lower amperage than what is used to power the system, so less dangerous.

[@chrissilvers884]

Thanks for the video , same unit same problem . Is that the same board you installed , or an upgraded version ? Have you had any more problems since?

[@practicalhomeprojects]

Hi there. I bought the exact same board as was already installed.

[@kapilasenaratne8492]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@isaacglover1302]

What if the defrost bulb is defected... how would I determine whether or not to replace it?

[@practicalhomeprojects]

The sensor is also relatively easy to replace. When we were in "test" mode and I pressed a wire against the two connectors to bond them, I was bypassing the Temp sensor which detects if frost has accumulated on the coils. If the defrost mode kicked on during my initial test, that would have indicated that the bulb wasn't functioning