Determining Why Your Air Conditioner Is Freezing Up
It’s not uncommon for air conditioners to become frozen, but it can be a big problem. If you notice your AC is not working properly or see ice or wetness inside the unit, your AC is likely frozen. To fix this, you’ll need to investigate what’s causing the freezing and take steps to thaw it out. Doing this will help your AC run more efficiently and keep your home cool.
If your air conditioner is freezing up, its coils are becoming covered in ice or frost. This could be due to various reasons, such as a blocked air filter, low refrigerant levels, an inefficient fan, or a dirty evaporator coil. Other causes could include poor insulation, incorrect thermostat settings, or a broken air conditioning system component. Keep reading to know the possible reasons.
Blocked Vents
When airflow is restricted due to blocked vents, it impairs the ability of the evaporator coil to achieve the desired temperature. This can lead to an accumulation of cold air in certain areas, forming ice on the coil.
Cold Temperature
When the temperature drops, particularly at night, it can be more difficult for your air conditioner to keep the house at the desired temperature. If the thermostat is set too low, the air conditioner may become too cold, resulting in it freezing up. To prevent this, the temperature should be set to a point that is at least 18 to 20 degrees cooler than the desired temperature of the home.
Dirty Air Filter
A dirty air filter can cause your air conditioner to stop working correctly. A buildup of dirt and debris on the filter can block the airflow needed for the AC unit to run correctly. To fix the issue, you should clean or replace the air filter so that the air can flow freely and the AC can run correctly.
When a filter in an air conditioner is not regularly changed, the dirt and debris accumulating on the filter can cause the air conditioner to become blocked and the airflow to be restricted. This blockage can lead to ice forming on the AC unit, which can reduce its efficiency and cause further damage, such as to the fan motors or other components.
Low Freon Levels
When your AC unit is low on refrigerant, the evaporator coil gets too cold and condensation forms. This condensation then turns into ice, causing your AC unit to freeze up. Low Freon levels can be solved with a recharge, but it’s usually an indication that something is wrong.
If your system has a Freon leak, contact a qualified professional as soon as possible. It’s important to remember that Freon is hazardous and should only be handled by certified technicians; never try to repair a Freon leak or top up refrigerant levels yourself.
Old Air Conditioning Unit
The lifespan of an HVAC system is temporary, and it will gradually become less efficient with age. If you have an air conditioning unit that is ten years old and freezing up often, it would be wise to consider replacing it.
Conclusion
Having a comfortable home is essential to your family’s well-being, so it’s important to make sure your air conditioning unit is functioning properly. To avoid problems like a frozen system, it’s important to get maintenance and tune-ups regularly to ensure your HVAC system is operating at its best.
If you are looking for an AC company in Athens, GA, choose Stiles Services. Our team has been the trusted HVAC contractor for Athens and surrounding communities since 1974! We can repair or replace your air conditioning, furnace, pumps, and heating units. Request service today.
