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How long does a defrost cycle last in the heating season for a heat pump?

  1. 5 minutes

  2. 10 minutes

  3. 15 minutes

  4. 20 minutes

The correct answer is: 10 minutes

A defrost cycle in a heat pump during the heating season is designed to remove frost buildup from the outdoor coil which can impair efficiency. The typical duration of a defrost cycle is around 10 minutes. This time frame strikes a balance between effectively melting frost and minimizing the time the system is not actively heating the indoors. If a defrost cycle were too short, it might not adequately clear the frost, while a longer duration could waste energy and reduce heating efficiency. Therefore, 10 minutes is commonly accepted as the standard duration for a defrost cycle in many heat pump systems during heating operations. Understanding this cycle is crucial for evaluating heat pump performance and ensuring optimal operation during winter months.