In contrast, heating systems like furnaces or heat pumps generate heat and distribute it throughout the building or home. During cold weather, these systems may accumulate frost or ice on their outdoor units due to the temperature difference between the warm air inside and the cold air outside. To prevent this, they are often equipped with a defrost system that periodically melts the ice buildup.
Since air conditioners don't generate heat, they don't require a defrost system. Instead, if an air conditioner is used during colder weather, it is often paired with a heating system that has its own defrost mechanism to ensure efficient and reliable operation.
