If you have a heat pump in your home, you likely rely on it year-round to keep your home comfortable. When your heat pump freezes up, however, it can be a major inconvenience. There are a few reasons why this may happen, and understanding them can help you avoid the problem in the future. Keep reading to learn more about the causes of your heat pump freezing.
Clogged Air Filter
One of the main causes of a heat pump freezing up is a clogged air filter. Your air filter is responsible for catching and trapping dust and other airborne particles before they can circulate throughout your home. Over time, your air filter can become clogged. When the air filter is clogged, it restricts the airflow to the heat pump. This can cause the heat pump to overheat and eventually freeze up.
To prevent this from happening, it is important to check and change your air filter regularly. In general, it’s recommended that you change out your air filter every three months to prevent it from clogging. Depending on your situation and your HVAC usage, you might need to change your filter more often. Changing your air filter regularly will also help with your energy efficiency and improve your indoor air quality.
Low Refrigerant
Another one of the most common reasons that a heat pump will freeze up is because the liquid refrigerant level is low. When the refrigerant level is low, it means that there is not enough coolant circulating through the system. This can happen for a number of reasons, such as a leak in the system or simply because the refrigerant level was not properly charged when the system was installed. Either way, it’s important to have a professional check the system and add more refrigerant if necessary.
Dirty Evaporator Coil
The evaporator coil in your heat pump is responsible for absorbing heat from the air inside your home. If the coil is dirty, it can’t absorb heat as efficiently, and this can cause your heat pump to freeze up. There are a few ways to clean the evaporator coil yourself, but it’s generally best to leave this task to a professional. If you do choose to clean the coil yourself, be sure to turn off the power to the heat pump before starting. Once the power is off, you can clean the coil with a brush or vacuum. Be sure to remove all the dirt and debris from the coil before turning the power back on.
Faulty Blower Motor
A faulty blower motor could also be the cause of a frozen heat pump. The blower motor is responsible for circulating air through the heat pump, and if it isn’t working properly, the airflow can be restricted. This can cause the coils to freeze and the entire heat pump to stop working. If you think your heat pump’s blower motor may be the cause of the problem, it’s best to call a professional to take a look. They can diagnose the problem and make the necessary repairs.
Improper Maintenance
Many factors can lead to a heat pump freezing up, but one of the most common causes is improper maintenance. If the unit isn’t maintained well, it may not have enough lubricant or insulation, which can cause freezing. When you schedule regular annual maintenance, a technician will come and clean your unit and inspect it for any potential problems. This will help eliminate many of the problems mentioned and possibly prevent your heat pump from freezing.
There are many potential causes for your heat pump freezing up. Overall, it is important to identify and address the root cause of the issue to prevent it from happening again. A qualified HVAC technician can help diagnose your problem and offer solutions to remedy the issue.
