Why Is My HVAC Freezing Up or Overheating? Follansbee, WV Homeowners Ask This Often

Quick Answer

HVAC systems freeze up or overheat when airflow, refrigerant levels, or system controls are out of balance. In Follansbee homes—especially older houses near the river with basements and limited return air—restricted airflow and moisture-related issues are the most common causes.

If you live in Follansbee or the Upper Ohio Valley, this is a frequent reason for service calls. Homeowners often believe the system itself is failing, when the real issue is stress caused by trapped heat or cold inside the equipment.

Why HVAC Freezing and Overheating Is Common in Follansbee Homes

HVAC systems rely on consistent airflow to move heat away from critical components. When airflow or heat transfer is disrupted, temperatures inside the system rise or fall beyond safe limits.

Follansbee has many homes built from the 1930s through the 1970s. Basements, original ductwork, and proximity to the Ohio River are common. Higher humidity causes filters to clog faster and reduces the system’s ability to regulate temperature, leaving less margin for error.

The Most Common Reasons HVAC Systems Freeze Up or Overheat in Follansbee

Restricted Airflow Is the Leading Cause

Most freeze-ups and overheating issues start with airflow problems.

When airflow is restricted:

• AC coils freeze during cooling season
• Furnaces trap heat and overheat in winter
• Safety controls shut the system down

In a Follansbee home near Main Street, an air conditioner froze repeatedly during mild summer weather. Refrigerant levels were normal. The issue was a clogged filter and limited return air pulling damp basement air.

A Follansbee-specific cost driver is moisture. River humidity causes filters to load faster, increasing airflow resistance sooner.

Dirty Filters Push Systems Beyond Safe Limits

Dirty filters don’t just affect comfort—they trap temperature inside the system.

When filters clog:

• Evaporator coils ice over
• Heat exchangers overheat
• Blower motors work harder and fail earlier

This is one of the most preventable causes of HVAC freezing and overheating.

Low Refrigerant Levels Can Cause Freezing

Low refrigerant prevents proper heat absorption.

This leads to:

• Ice buildup on coils and refrigerant lines
• Reduced cooling performance
• Compressor damage if ignored

Refrigerant does not get used up. Low levels always indicate a leak that must be repaired.

Electrical or Control Issues Can Cause Overheating

Faulty limit switches, sensors, or control boards can allow systems to run longer than intended.

In older Follansbee homes, aging electrical components can worsen overheating during long heating cycles.

Ductwork Problems Trap Heat and Cold

Duct systems must allow air to move freely.

Common Follansbee issues include:

• Sagging or crushed basement ducts
• Blocked or undersized return vents
• Closed vents in unused rooms

When air cannot escape the system, temperature extremes build up inside the equipment.

How to Tell If Your HVAC Is Freezing Up or Overheating

Watch for these warning signs:

• Ice on refrigerant lines or indoor coils
• Burning or metallic smells
• System shutting off unexpectedly
• Weak airflow at vents
• Loud or unusual noises

If ice is visible, turn the system off immediately. Continued operation can cause serious damage.

Why This Happens More Often in Follansbee Homes

Many Follansbee homes share:

• Basements with single return grilles
• Higher indoor humidity
• Older duct layouts
• Long heating run times in winter

These factors make HVAC systems less forgiving, so small maintenance issues escalate quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions About HVAC Freezing Up or Overheating

Why Does My AC Keep Freezing Up?

AC systems freeze when airflow is restricted or refrigerant is low. In Follansbee homes, dirty filters and limited return air are the most common causes.

Can a Furnace Overheat and Shut Itself Off?

Yes. Furnaces include safety limits that shut the system down when temperatures rise too high. Airflow problems are usually the cause, not a failed furnace.

Is It Safe to Keep Running My HVAC If It Freezes or Overheats?

No. Continued operation can damage compressors, heat exchangers, and motors. Turn the system off and address the cause first.

How Can I Prevent This From Happening Again?

Regular maintenance, consistent filter changes, and airflow inspections are essential—especially in older, river-adjacent Follansbee homes.

What Guarantees Do You Offer?

For repairs and maintenance, Honest Fix provides the Service Trust Guardian, which includes:

• 5-year labor warranty on covered repairs
• 60-day money-back satisfaction guarantee
• No overtime charges
• On-time arrival and clean-work guarantees

For new installations, the Lifetime Trust Shield includes long-term labor coverage, no-lemon protection, and a full money-back satisfaction guarantee.

Final Thoughts for Follansbee Homeowners

HVAC systems freeze up or overheat because something is out of balance—not because they suddenly fail. In Follansbee homes with basements, river moisture, and older airflow designs, these issues show up faster but are often preventable.

If your system is icing over, overheating, or shutting down, the cause is usually clear once airflow and controls are checked.

Call Honest Fix today for a free exact quote.

Learn about our guarantees before you decide.