Heat pump question

[J.A. Veil]

:helpsmilie:We have two heat pumps for our house. One is working the same as usual. However since the big storm last weekend, the other one has been making a louder and different noise whenever the fan is running. I shoveled the snow away from both heat pumps after each storm.

So far the noisy heat pump is still working and heating the house. Do any of you know why the second heat pump is making the louder noise? Is it causing any permanent damage to the unit? Is there something I can do as non-HVAC person?

[Clark W. Griswold]

Try turning the noisy one on Cool for a while. It will heat up and melt any ice that may have formed. No guarantees, but it may be worth a shot.

[V.B. wells & irrigation]

Could be ice. I don't know air-to-air that good though.

[J.A. Veil]

Thanks for the input guys. I did run the unit in cooling mode for a while -- that did not change the noise.

I called a heat pump service company at 8:30 am this morning on the off chance that a serviceman would be available today. I was pleasantly surprised that they sent someone at about noon. He immediately diagnosed the problem as bad bearings on the fan motor. While he was there, he checked the other electrical connections and the freon level. They turned out to be in good condition. He said I would do better using a brand name replacement motor rather than a generic motor; this would have to be picked up from the dealer. He assured me the new motor could be installed in the next few days.

I am relieved that the problem is diagnosed and will be fixed soon. Nobody likes to pay repair bills, but it sure beats shivering in a cold house and worrying about freezing pipes.