24/7 Emergency Service
If you live in the Riverside, CA, area, you may be wondering if cooler temperatures during the wintertime can result in parts of your HVAC system freezing up. Whether your concern is with the AC equipment that is located outside or your furnace inside, we will look at the different reasons why your HVAC equipment may freeze and what you can do about the situation.
Considering Your Air Conditioner
The AC equipment that is located outside your home is a great relief from the heat of the summer. However, it can freeze up if something is malfunctioning, such as your blower fan or evaporator coil. Ice may be visible on the outside of your unit, but you’ll usually need our team to open your access panel to spot what’s going on inside. This can occur in both the summer and the winter months.
You may experience AC freezing from something as simple as a clogged air filter. This filter is used to capture particulate matter before it can clog up your AC ducts. This also promotes optimal airflow, which prevents your evaporator coil from becoming saturated from humidity. Make sure that you replace your filter approximately once every 30 to 90 days.
You may be experiencing a leak in your refrigerant lines or have low levels of refrigerant if your AC unit is freezing. It’s very important that your AC equipment can maintain a consistent interior temperature. If you have a very slow leak, it can take some time to spot the issue. Moisture may accumulate over time, causing your coil to freeze up. You want to have this issue addressed immediately to prevent damage to interior components.
A damaged blower fan will not be able to efficiently pull warm air into your system and then circulate cold air back into your living spaces. Excess condensation can build up if something is damaged, eventually freezing. You can watch out for a damaged blower fan by listening for abnormal sounds during runtime, noticing a reduction of air blowing out of your vents, or having trouble starting your AC unit up.
Furnace Freezing
While it’s not overly common, a furnace can freeze up when the right conditions are present. There are some risks that can put you at greater risk of experiencing this problem. This includes low levels of insulation in the home. If cold air can enter your home and circulate around your furnace, condensation in the system could freeze.
Blocked vents and registers can impede airflow, causing your furnace to work harder and promote freezing. Always keep your vents and registers wide open, and keep items away from them that could stop the flow of air.
If there’s something wrong with your thermostat, incorrect signals may be sent to your heating equipment. Inconsistent heating will occur and set the stage for potential freezing.
Clogged filters can cause issues with your furnace as well. This impedes airflow and causes strain on your equipment.
Watch out for any abnormal sounds coming from your furnace that could indicate there are components on the inside that are becoming jammed or clogged up by ice. You should also watch for any visible signs of condensation or ice on the exterior of your unit.
If you have a heat pump, there is refrigerant in this equipment as well. If there’s a leak in your system or you have low levels of refrigerant in the lines, this may cause the equipment to freeze up. You should schedule routine maintenance for your heat pump in addition to any other HVAC equipment you have at your residence. Schedule maintenance services at least once a year before the start of an extreme season, like winter or summer.
Our HVAC Experts
If you would like assistance with your HVAC unit this winter, reach out to our team here at Sheldon's Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. We provide routine maintenance and repairs for all kinds of HVAC equipment. We also install new units, address indoor air quality concerns, and provide commercial HVAC assistance. Our plumbing services include drain repair, drain cleaning, water heater repair and replacement, and more.
Contact Sheldon's Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing in Riverside today to schedule a heating service appointment if your HVAC system is freezing up.
