Why is My Furnace Freezing Up?
Why is My Furnace Freezing Up?
11/19/2018
The HVAC unit is an essential part of either keeping your home comfortable all year long. The largest system within the unit is your furnace. It is imperative that your furnace is working properly, so it can keep your house warm during the harsh Illinois winters. No matter how old your unit is, you may run into issues such as your HVAC unit freezing up. If you’ve ever wondered why your unit icing up, here are a few common reasons why.
Restricted Airflow: The Silent Suffocation of Your Furnace
Air must be flowing throughout the whole system in order for it to work. When the air passages are restricted, which could be caused by sagging ventilation pipes or items in the exhaust vent, your system can stop performing. All of these factors result in ice forming within the vents, causing your unit to freeze up. It is important to check the vents and pipes to prevent this from happening. A way to resolve the ice forming around the exhaust vent would be to get a vent screen so that nothing can enter the exterior vent.
Coolant Leaks: A Drain on Efficiency and Performance
Coolant is a fluid or gas substance that provides the air temperature within the system. If there is something up with the coolant levels, then the system will not blow air properly. This issue needs to be addressed with a contractor. For a short-term fix, people may put a sealant on wherever the coolant is dripping from. But, this doesn't cover the root of the problem. The contractor would need to see the root of the problem. It is common for this issue to form around the coils, and then they would need to be replaced if that's where it's coming from. So, this is a fixable problem, but it must be addressed for the long term, ensuring it won't happen again.
Dirty Coils: A Barrier to Warmthe
Evaporator coils have the function to help with converting the air into heat. It is important to maintain cleanliness, as dirt can form in these coils which can restrict air flow. Additionally, ice can follow after and freeze up the system. Though you can perform minor clean up on your own, such as removing leaves from the coils, more extreme issues require an HVAC technician.
Preventive Measures: Protecting Your Furnace from Frozen Calamities
Regular maintenance is the key to preventing frozen furnaces and ensuring your home remains a haven of warmth throughout the chilly months. Here are some proactive steps you can take:
- Schedule regular furnace tune-ups: A qualified HVAC technician can inspect your system, identify potential issues, and perform preventive maintenance to keep your furnace running smoothly.
- Clean or replace air filters: Dirty air filters obstruct airflow and can contribute to freezing. Change or clean your filters regularly, as recommended by the manufacturer.
- Trim and maintain vegetation: Keep shrubs and trees away from your home's exterior vents to prevent airflow blockage and potential coolant leaks.
- Inspect and clean evaporator coils: Remove debris and dirt from the evaporator coils to ensure optimal heat transfer. For more extensive cleaning, seek professional assistance.
Command Service Center: Your Trusted Ally in Furnace Health
When your furnace faces the icy clutches of freezing, Command Service Center is your trusted partner in restoration. Our team of experienced HVAC technicians will promptly diagnose the underlying cause, provide expert repairs, and implement preventive measures to safeguard your furnace from future freezing woes.
Don't let a frozen furnace disrupt your winter comfort. Contact Command Service Center today for expert furnace repair and maintenance services.