HVAC experts Fishers, Heating and Air Conditioning Experts in Fishers, HVAC service near Fishers, AC Repair & Maintenance Fishers, HVAC Experts Brownsburg, HVAC Service near Carmel, Greenwood HVAC experts, AC Service in Indianapolis, Furnace Installation L

What Causes the Suction Line to Freeze Up?

What Causes the Suction Line to Freeze Up?

The other HVAC suction line is usually smaller and uninsulated. It carries hot liquid under high pressure from the condenser to the evaporator.

The suction line HVAC can freeze for many reasons. Read on to know the main ones.

Airflow Problems

Also, the blower motor could stop working or run at a low speed due to worn-out bearings. An electric problem could blow up the motor, or the board could fail to supply current. This suction line HVAC problem reduces the amount of air getting to the evaporator coil. The longer you let the system work without the motor, the more ice will accumulate on the suction line. Anything that blocks airflow to the evaporator coil can cause the HVAC suction line – and thus – the entire unit to freeze.

Low Refrigerant

A refrigerant is a compound that changes from gas to liquid and vice versa as it regulates temperature in the house. When the refrigerant absorbs heat from the house, it changes from low-pressure gas to high-pressure liquid. Then the high-pressure liquid travels outdoors where a fan blows hot air. As a result, it turns back into a low-pressure gas.

The refrigerant’s volume remains at the same level throughout the air conditioner’s life unless there’s a leak. A leak causes the pressure inside the copper tubes to reduce. A reduction in pressure causes a drop in the refrigerant’s boiling point and temperature. Adding more refrigerant won’t help unless you find the leak and fix it.

When the refrigerant is low, its temperature at the beginning of the evaporator coil will be lower than the freezing point. The low temperature will cause the condensation inside the coil to freeze. Then, Ice builds on the coil and restricts airflow through the coil.

Without airflow to the coil, the refrigerant won’t absorb heat. So it will start to boil further in the coil leading to more freezing which continues up to the suction line HVAC.

Low Temperature

If the indoor temperature drops below 70F, the saturation temperature will also drop. And if it goes below 32F, the HVAC suction line and thereby the system will freeze. One reason why this might happen is if you set your thermostat too low. Most thermostats operate over 67F. If you set yours below that, it might cause freezing.

What You Should Do If Your Suction Line Freezes

If you notice frost on your suction line, check whether everything is running as it should. Check whether the motors are working and the fans are blowing air. If you don’t notice any problem, turn off the system to avoid causing further damage.

Remove the air filter and clean it to ensure the problem doesn’t result from blocked airflow. If the air filter is too restrictive or old, replace it. Keep in mind that many factors could cause the suction line to freeze. Sometimes the problem may be hard to detect. Instead of guessing what the problem is, call an HVAC professional to assist you.

You can ask your Fishers HVAC professional to install a freeze stat. This device monitors the temperature of the heat exchanger. If the temperature falls slightly above freezing, the freeze stat initiates a protective action and keeps the suction line HVAC from freezing.

How to Keep Suction Line from Freezing

Most problems with the HVAC system occur due to a lack of regular maintenance. If you don’t maintain your HVAC system, it will become inefficient. As a result, it will take longer to achieve the temperature you want in your house. Inefficiencies will also cost you more in power bills.

In addition, lack of heating and air conditioning maintenance can accelerate the rate of wear and tear and the suction line HVAC components. If serious damages occur, you’d incur extra costs replacing those damaged components. So it’s highly recommended that you have a trusty Fishers HVAC professional clean the system once a year.

If you’re looking for an HVAC professional in Fishers, reach out to Family Heating & Air Conditioning. We can help with inspection, cleaning, maintenance, and even replacement of the system. Feel free to contact us for questions, consultations, or appointments.

Scroll to Top