Understanding the Challenge
When outdoor temperatures drop below zero, frost naturally forms on the evaporator coil of an air-to-water heat pump. This thin layer of ice may look harmless, but it reduces airflow and heat exchange, forcing the system to work harder and lowering its efficiency. That’s why heat pump defrost technology plays such a crucial role in maintaining consistent performance and preventing energy loss during cold-weather operation.
To overcome this, advanced heat pump defrost technology ensures that the unit maintains stable performance and reliable heating, even on the coldest days.
How Smart Defrost Works
Traditional heat pumps relied on fixed timers for defrost cycles, activating periodically whether ice was present or not. This method often wasted energy and caused unnecessary interruptions in heating.
Modern systems, like Tongyi’s R290 air-to-water heat pumps, use intelligent sensors to detect real-time conditions—coil temperature, outdoor humidity, and pressure levels—to activate defrosting only when needed.
This smart defrost approach offers several advantages:
- Energy efficiency: No wasted cycles mean lower electricity consumption.
- Comfort: Continuous, stable indoor temperature with minimal heat loss.
- Durability: Reduced strain on compressors and fans prolongs system life.

The Role of R290 Refrigerant
The natural refrigerant R290 not only improves overall efficiency but also enhances performance during defrost cycles. Its superior thermodynamic properties allow faster ice removal and quicker return to heating mode.
Tongyi’s R290 heat pumps are designed with optimized refrigerant circuits that ensure defrosting is both rapid and energy-conscious.
Seasonal Tip from Tongyi
If you live in a region with frequent frost, keep your outdoor unit clear of debris and ensure proper drainage under the heat pump base. This small maintenance step helps the smart defrost system operate at peak performance all winter long.
In Summary
Smart heat pump defrost technology is one of the hidden innovations that make modern heat pumps efficient, reliable, and ready for any climate. With Tongyi’s adaptive defrost system, you enjoy warmth, efficiency, and peace of mind—no matter how cold it gets outside.



