As the summer heat waves continue, air conditioning units work hard to keep our homes cool and comfortable. But what happens when your AC unit freezes up? It can be not only frustrating but also damaging to your air conditioning system. A frozen AC unit can cause the unit to stop working entirely, and it can be a sign of a more severe problem. In this blog post, we will look into the causes of air conditioner freezing and provide you with some tips on how to prevent it from happening to your AC unit.
The first cause of air conditioner freezing is poor airflow. When your AC unit’s airflow is insufficient, the evaporator coil may not have enough air passing over it, causing it to freeze. One of the most common reasons for inadequate airflow is a clogged air filter. When the filter is dirty or clogged, the airflow may be restricted, resulting in the evaporator coil freezing over. To prevent this issue, change your air filter regularly; it is recommended to do this every one to three months.
The second cause of air conditioner freezing is a refrigerant leak. The refrigerant in your air conditioning system is responsible for absorbing the heat from the air in your home. When there is a leak, the refrigerant level decreases, but the same amount of air is still present in the system. This imbalance leads to the evaporator coil getting too cold, causing the unit to freeze. You must contact a professional HVAC technician immediately if you suspect a refrigerant leak.
The third cause of air conditioner freezing is a malfunctioning thermostat. A broken thermostat can cause the unit to run continuously, which can lead to the evaporator coil getting too cold. If the thermostat is not functioning correctly, it may also be hard to set to the desired temperature. Ensure that your thermostat is working correctly and is set at the right temperature.
The fourth cause of air conditioner freezing is a dirty evaporator coil. Dirt, dust, and other debris that accumulate on the evaporator coil can cause the coil to freeze. Regular maintenance and cleaning of the evaporator coil can prevent this problem from happening.
Finally, the fifth cause of air conditioner freezing is a problem with the blower fan. A malfunctioning blower fan can cause the cold air to get trapped in the unit, leading to the evaporator coil getting too cold. The fan may not be working due to inadequate lubrication or a damaged belt. Have a professional technician check the blower fan to ensure that it is functioning correctly.
A frozen air conditioning unit is a common problem that can result in serious damage and inconvenience. Poor airflow, a refrigerant leak, a malfunctioning thermostat, a dirty evaporator coil, or a problem with the blower fan can all cause air conditioner freezing. To prevent this issue, ensure that you change your air filter regularly, maintain your AC unit, and contact a professional technician if you suspect a refrigerant leak or other significant problems. Remember to schedule regular maintenance for your air conditioning system to prevent problems and the associated costs that come with them. If you need any help or have any questions about your AC unit freezing up, contact Mechanical Air today!
