Why is My HVAC Unit Frozen?

If your HVAC unit is covered in ice, you're most likely wondering why and whether or not it's safe to operate. Turning your HVAC off at the earliest sign of cold will assist to reduce the deterioration as the device doesn't recognize it is icy, it will remain on to try to run even if ice is present. If the system is left running, the motor will be too pressured and might get damaged.

While a frozen HVAC is extremely inconvenient, it's a relatively typical problem that property owners handle at some point in time. In this blog, we share a few common reasons why HVAC systems literally freeze.

Reduced Cooling Agent Degrees

One of the most frequent causes of a frozen HVAC system is low cooling agent degrees. If there isn't enough cooling agent distributed with the coils at any point in time, it can trigger the condensation that usually forms on the outside of the coils to actually freeze. This results in a spiral in which ice formation speeds up the loss of refrigerant, ultimately leaving the system incapable to operate at all.

Restoring the system's cooling agent can fix this issue, but if the refrigerant loss was due to a leak, repairing the leakage is the only method to ensure the system won't malfunction in the same way again.

Dirty or Clogged Air Filter

If you can't remember the last time you changed your HVAC filter (or if you're not sure where your filter is located), this may be the cause behind your frozen HVAC system. Filters control the airflow into your unit, and when your HVAC isn't getting enough air, it also isn't receiving enough outdoor warmth to keep the coil condensation from freezing.

Dirty or Broken Coils

An air conditioning unit that's functioning effectively will create condensation droplets on the system's coils. The condensation droplets trickle right into the pan below, where it evaporates. If the drip frying pan is unclean, this water can back up and cover the coils, which will damage them when the water freezes. If the coils themselves are unclean or clogged, they can additionally prevent condensation from vaporizing in the way it should.

If your unit is super cold or getting icy, don't wait too long to call a professional HVAC Specialist. Our specialists are professionally trained to identify any type of issue you are dealing with and can offer a long-term solution, helping you save money from potential damage.