Why Is My Heat Pump Freezing Up?

Our team at Four Seasons Heating & Cooling gets calls about frozen heat pumps on a semi-regular basis. Though common, a freeze up usually means your system’s components aren’t working correctly. Sometimes you can fix it yourself. But oftentimes, you’ll need to call a professional, as it may call for a part replacement or complex repair.

To make the process easier, here are the six usual suspects causing heat pumps to freeze up:

Clogged Air Filter

When air filters are left to collect dust for too long, they become clogged. This hinders airflow, which can trap moisture, along with many other component problems. Try replacing your air filter, then running your unit’s heat setting to melt the ice. If that doesn’t work, contact a professional.

Low or Empty Refrigerant

If you’re low on refrigerant, this is indicative of a leak. When a component rubs against the refrigerant tank over time, it can eventually puncture it, leading to a freeze up. This could be a weakened solder joint, an opened valve, rattly pipes, or unsecured fittings. In this case, you should power down your heat pump and contact your technician for immediate inspection.

Filthy Evaporator Coil

Refrigerant flows through the evaporator coil. It transports heat into your home during cool weather and pulls it out during hot weather. When it becomes dirty, this impairs its ability to transfer heat. This can compromise airflow, leading to a freeze up. If you notice ice on your coils, power down your heat pump. Then gently attempt to remove the ice using a dull object. After removing the larger chunks, pour warm water over the coils to melt the remainders. If your coils freeze back up, call your HVAC technician.

Faulty Blower Motor

If your blower motor isn’t up to speed, it can wreck havoc on your system, leading to a freeze up. See if the exhaust fan is running properly. It may start and stop intermittently, run at a reduced spinning cycle, or not run at all. If this is the case, have a professional replace it.

Dirty Fan Blades

When the blower’s fan blades become dirty, this compromises the system’s airflow and exhaust output. Moisture will become trapped and turn into ice. If this happens, call an experienced technician to correct it, as the fan blades are very sensitive.

Wintertime Neglect

Remember, air-source heat pumps generally should not be operated in temperatures under 40 degrees Fahrenheit. The unit should be completely level with the ground; any tilting can cause moisture to get trapped and become frozen. Additionally, your unit should be away from gutter flow, as this can cause ice formation. During the winter, always check for ice accumulation on your unit, and clear it away to prevent further issues.

Experiencing a frozen heat pump? Four Season Heating & Cooling’s team of experienced technicians is just around the corner in Newport, NC, to assist you. Call us today at 252-247-5500 if you need a repair.