Why is My HVAC Unit Frozen?

Whether the temperatures outside are freezing cold or boiling hot, you rely on your HVAC unit to keep you and your family comfortable. When you adjust the thermostat on the wall, you expect to be greeted with a soothing blast of cool air in the summer or a refreshing stream of heat in the winter.

In most cases, that is exactly what will happen. You set the temperature, wait for your HVAC unit to catch up and get on with the rest of your day. In some instances, however, adjusting the temperature and firing up the HVAC system results in nothing but silence. The air temperature stays as uncomfortable as it was, and you wonder what is going on.

A Frozen HVAC Unit

When your HVAC unit fails to respond as expected, it is most likely frozen. A number of things can cause your HVAC unit to freeze, and it is best to work through the possibilities one by one. Once you find the problem, you can get your HVAC unit unstuck and enjoy the comfortable home you expect and deserve.

Leaking Refrigerant

One of the most common causes of a frozen HVAC unit is leaking refrigerant. Your HVAC system relies on a steady stream of refrigerant, and when that stream is interrupted, the flow of cool air into your home is interrupted as well. If your HVAC unit is freezing up frequently and not keeping the house as cool as it should, checking for leaks in the refrigerant system should be your first priority.

Restricted Airflow

Your HVAC unit relies on outdoor components to keep the air flowing and keep your home as comfortable as possible. If there is a problem with one or more of those outdoor components, the HVAC unit may start freezing up and running at less than 100% efficiency.

Dead leaves, fallen branches and other debris tend to gather around the intake points in your HVAC unit, so check the outdoor components carefully and make sure they are clear. Also check the ductwork and other airflow components to make sure nothing is blocking or obstructing them.

An Improperly Sized Unit

If everything looks good but your HVAC unit is still freezing up, it may not be large enough to keep up with your demands. A properly sized HVAC unit is very important, since a too small unit will not be able to run efficiently or keep your home as comfortable as you wish.

If you think your current HVAC unit may need an upgrade, you should call a professional technician to check it out. An experienced HVAC tech can examine your current unit, make recommendations and help you keep your home as cool and comfortable as possible.

Call Vredevoogd Heating & Cooling for all your plumbing, heating, & cooling needs. In the greater West Michigan, Lakeshore, and surrounding areas call: 844-HVAC-365