What to do to Prevent Your HVAC Unit from Freezing Up in the Winter

Professional Services
December 22, 2021

As the temperature drops outside, homeowners rely on their HVAC system more than ever to keep their homes comfortable. When your heating system breaks, it is essential to schedule a repair as soon as possible as the minor issues can quickly escalate into more severe problems. 

 

When you face heating problems, HVAC services in Cedarburg from Professional Services will help restore your heater. Our licensed and experienced technicians understand the importance of having a working HVAC unit, especially during the winter months. We work hard to restore your heating system quickly and effectively so you can get back to enjoying the comfort of your home. 

 

One of the most common issues we see during the winter is a frozen HVAC system. This guide will help you prevent your HVAC unit freezing up in the winter. 


What Causes Your HVAC To Freeze?

You're not the only one that needs to stay warm during the winter. Unfortunately, when the temperature drops significantly, your HVAC unit is at risk of freezing. A frozen heating system cannot properly warm your home and can lead to permanent system failure. 


The Defrost Cycle

Although the goal is to avoid a completely frozen unit, you can expect your system to freeze occasionally throughout the winter. With the anticipation for low temperatures, your outdoor HVAC unit has a built-in defrost cycle which helps to prevent your unit from freezing. 

 

Your outdoor heating unit initiates the defrost cycle every hour, half-hour, or 90 minutes. To help prevent your HVAC system from freezing, the unit will blow cool air inside while releasing hot air outside.


Ice Buildup

Although the defrost unit can help keep your system functioning throughout the winter, extremely low temperatures and lack of maintenance can lead to a frozen system. 

 

A frozen heating system results from ice buildup on your outdoor coils. Your heating system's coils are an essential component that helps your unit heat your home. The coils heat the air that enters the system and releases the warm air back into your home. 

 

With excessive ice buildup, these coils cannot heat the air that passes over, preventing your heating system from warming your home. 


Common Signs of HVAC Problems

If you notice any of the following problems with your heating and air conditioning unit, don't hesitate to call the technicians at Professional Services:

 

  • A significant amount of ice is covering your HVAC unit 
  • Your coils have severe ice buildup
  • The unit is not pulling or releasing any air
  • Your HVAC unit does not effectively heat your home
  • You hear strange noises coming from the heating system

 

When it comes to fixing a frozen or malfunctioning unit, calling for professional expertise right away is critical. The licensed technicians at Professional Services understand the electrical and structural complexities of a heating system. Our goal is to provide a quick yet effective fix that ensures your unit will continue to work throughout the rest of winter. 


How Can You Fix a Frozen HVAC Unit?

When your HVAC freezes, it is essential to address the issue right away. Thankfully, there are troubleshooting steps that you can take before calling the professionals. 


Do Not Pour Hot Water on the Unit

Many homeowners will pour hot water on their unit for a quick defrost; however, this will do more harm than good. Instead of melting the ice or breaking it apart, follow these troubleshooting steps to restore heat.


Check the Air Filter

One of the most common culprits of HVAC system issues is a dirty air filter. Your unit's air filter removes unwanted dirt and debris from your home's air. Although this helps to improve your home's indoor air quality, it can lead to a clogged filter without proper unit maintenance. 

 

Over time, your air filter collects a significant amount of dust and debris. A clogged filter can cause your system to malfunction or lead to gradually increasing energy bills. If you notice problems with your heating system, check the air filter and replace it if needed. 


Check the Condensing Fan and Blower Motor

Similar to your unit's air filter, the condensing fan can collect a significant amount of dust and debris over time. A dirty condensing fan is unable to blow sufficient air. 

 

When your unit freezes, one of the first things to check is the blower fan. Without proper airflow, the coils are subject to condensation, leading to a frozen system.

 

If you suspect that your system's malfunctioning blower fan is the cause of the freezing unit, call Professional Services to schedule a repair as soon as possible. 


Check the Vents

The vents in your home are critical components of your heating system. If they collect excessive dust or debris, they can prevent your HVAC unit from producing sufficient airflow. This lack of airflow can lead to a frozen system. 

 

When your system freezes, check and clean the vents. It is important to frequently check your vents for debris buildup, especially during the winter. 


Check the Refrigerant Levels

Refrigerant is the liquid that runs through your system's coils. This liquid helps to cool or heat air that passes through your system. It is critical that your HVAC unit has the right amount of refrigerant to function correctly. 

 

If the refrigerant levels are too low, your HVAC system is subject to icing. When experiencing HVAC issues, fill the refrigerant to the level indicated by your unit. 

 

When checking refrigerant levels, also look around for leaks. If your system is leaking refrigerant, call Professional Services right away for an emergency repair service. 

 

Refrigerant is a critical part of your HVAC unit. However, the liquid is hazardous to people and pets, so it is vital to call for a repair as soon as you detect a leak. 


How Can You Prevent Your HVAC Unit from Freezing Up in Winter?

Proper maintenance is the best way to avoid your HVAC unit from freezing up in winter. Follow these simple yet effective maintenance steps to keep your heating system running through the winter.


  1. Change your air filter regularly. To keep your system efficient, change out the air filter at least once a month. Air filters are inexpensive and incredibly easy to install. 
  2. Clean the fan. Your system’s fan directs the air through the system and around your house. However, it can quickly collect dust or other debris like leaves and insects. When checking your HVAC unit, clear away any debris and make sure that your fan has nothing blocking it.
  3. Keep your vents open. Many homeowners are tempted to close a vent or two to lower their energy bill. However, this restricts airflow and can increase the likelihood of your HVAC unit freezing. Avoid closing more than two supply vents to promote proper airflow and keep your system running through the winter. 
  4. Keep the condenser coils clean. Outdoor units are especially susceptible to excessive debris. Frequently check your outdoor condenser coils and ensure they are clean of leaves, insects, and other debris. Keeping the condenser coils clean is critical to ensuring that your heating system continues to run efficiently.
  5. Schedule a professional inspection. One of the best ways to ensure that your system is ready to handle the drop in temperature is to let a professional HVAC technician take a look. The experts at Professional Services perform comprehensive system checks to ensure that there are no potential issues such as leaks or broken components. 


Professional and Effective HVAC Repairs

When it comes to heat and air condition systems, no one knows more than HVAC technicians. The HVAC experts at Professional Services understand the functional significance of every component. We aim to provide effective HVAC repair and maintenance services that keep your system running as long as possible. 


24/7 Emergency Services

You can't predict when your heating system will break down. That's why our team is available 24/7 for your emergency HVAC needs. An HVAC emergency is anything that you can't fix on your own and needs immediate attention, such as: 

 

No heat during the winter

Water or refrigerant leaks

HVAC unit won't turn on

No cool air during the summer

 

Whether it's 3 p.m. or 2 a.m., Professional Services is here when you need us. 


All of our repair services begin with a thorough inspection of your heating and cooling unit. We pay close attention to the various working components of your HVAC system to look for the cause and severity of the problem. Once we find the culprit, we put together an honest and affordable quote. 

 

When you have an HVAC unit freezing up in winter, it's best to let the professionals handle the repairs. Our trained technicians have the tools and expertise needed to repair your heating and cooling system safely and effectively. To avoid the dangers of DIY HVAC repair, let the technicians at Professional Services take care of your system. 

 

From minor fixes to extensive repairs, Professional Services in Port Washington, WI, has the tools and expertise you need. Call us at 262-435-5574 to schedule an inspection!

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