Whether you are in the middle of a busy weekend or trying to relax after a hard day, it is never a good time if you find yourself checking your HVAC unit only to find it is frozen. If you find yourself asking “WHY is my HVAC unit frozen?!”, this is undoubtedly a frustrating experience that can result from a couple different scenarios affecting your HVAC unit.
Frozen HVAC units can occur in summer and winter, and below we discuss the causes, and some possible solutions. If you are having issues with a frozen HVAC unit, or have any other HVAC maintenance needs, contact Galmiche & Sons in St. Louis today.
We can help you sort all your heating & air conditioning needs swiftly and efficiently. As a long-time St. Louis HVAC company, your HVAC problems are our business, so call us today at 314-993-1110!
When Your HVAC Unit is Frozen in Summer
When an HVAC unit freezes in summer, there is usually a problem with the air conditioning mechanism. Some of the common causes of an AC unit freezing are:
- Insufficient Air Flow – Insufficient air flow across the air conditioner’s evaporator coil can cause an HVAC unit to freeze over due to a failure of heat exchange. In other words, if the air conditioner is not passing the indoor air over the evaporator coil, before blowing it back into the house, the heat is not being removed from your home and the Freon will instead cause the HVAC unit to freeze.
- Low Refrigerant – If your air conditioner’s refrigerant is low, it can lead to a frozen HVAC unit as well. The cause is due to the Freon in the system over expanding since there is less of it to properly cover the system.
- Low Outdoor Temperatures – Air conditioners are meant to function in a set temperature range. If the outdoor temperature is lower than 62 degrees, and you are running the air conditioner, your HVAC unit may freeze because of a drop in pressure in the system.
- Mechanical Failures – A mechanical failure is another potential reason for your air conditioner to freeze up. Any kinks in the system can lead to loss in pressure, or less than stellar operation, which often means the unit will end up freezing over.
Why Has My Heat Pump Frozen Over?
While the above common causes cover the answer to your question: “Why is my HVAC unit frozen even though it is summer?”, your HVAC unit can freeze up in the winter as well. This often happens when there is a problem with your heat pump. While a little frost is common on heat pumps, a completely frozen heat pump usually indicates a serious problem and requires the attention of an HVAC professional. Some potential causes are:
- Malfunctioning defrost controls
- Malfunctioning defrost relay
- Damaged/malfunctioning outdoor fan motors
- Low refrigerant levels
- Bad defrost sensors or thermostats
- Sticking reverse valve
- Unit needs leveling or elevation
If you find your heat pump covered with frost or ice, shut the system off to prevent further damage, and call a trusted HVAC service for help.
Contact Us for Help with Your Frozen HVAC Unit Concerns
Whether there is a problem with your air conditioner in the summer or your heat pump any time of the year, a frozen HVAC unit typically requires the attention of an HVAC expert. In the greater St. Louis area, call Galmiche & Sons today at 314-993-1110 so we can get your heating & air conditioning problems sorted for you. Whether the job is large or small, we have you covered!
