What’s Causing My Air Conditioner To Freeze?
Ever had your air conditioner freezing up and turn a warm, 80-degree day into a chilly fridge? It’s puzzling and frustrating, right?
Let’s understand why this happens and how to fix it so you can stay cool without freezing your toes off.
The Cause of a Frozen Air Conditioner
Airflow Issues
It is like attempting to run a marathon and breathing into a straw. This is how your air conditioning unit feels when airflow is blocked. Should air not flow through the unit, the coils will become too cold and freeze.
Air filters
Your AC has its own little lungs tangled up in there, which can get clogged up. If your filters are clogged, the air gets blocked. It is more like trying to breathe through a dust mask.
Blocked Vents & Registers
Remove anything blocking the vents in your home. Furniture, curtains, and even lost toys may obstruct airflow.
Fan Issues
If the fan is not working correctly, it cannot properly circulate the air, resulting in cold air accumulating at a single location.
Low Refrigerant Levels
Refrigerant is the blood of your AC system. This air is what is cooled before it gets blown into your house. A freeze-up can occur if there is a leak, the system is low on charge, and the pressure or air is lost, thus dropping the system ultimately lower to the point of freezing. This is one for the pros to have a look at, as refrigerators are controlled with certain training and tools.
Thermostat Settings
But sometimes, the issue is a simple thermostat setting. The AC: If it gets too cold, it runs forever, and everything freezes up. Set your thermostat at the right temperature and leave it on the \” auto\” fan setting (not the \” on\” fan setting).
Drainage Problems
Remember, your air conditioner is a dehumidifier, not just an air cooler. Moisture collects in a drain pan that drains out through a drain line. In a normal condensate line, the water drains out, but when this line clogs, water starts to pool; over time, it breaks down and freezes the coil.
Outside Temperatures
When it is too cold (outside temperature), the reverse will happen, and the air conditioner will freeze up. Air handlers are designed to work in a particular range of temperatures. This can be true, especially if the pressure inside the system gets too low, which can very well happen if it’s already cold outside and things start freezing up.
What To Do If Your Air Conditioner Freezes
Is Your Air Conditioner Freezing Up? Turn off the AC.
The first and most immediate thing you need to do if you notice that your air conditioner is frozen or icing over is to power the air conditioner off. If this happens, always be sure to never, ever continue running outside to prevent the compressor (the part that will put you on a home equity loan) from seizing up entirely and making a lousy repair that much worse. Let the ice melt all the way and then before you jump to diagnosing what is wrong.
Replace Air Filters
If the air filter is covered in dirt, the mechanic must clean it, and it must be handled during these dirty roads or solid weather conditions. Look for the air filter (usually near the return air duct) and check if it is dirty. If it is, replace it. Remember to test filters every month when they are at peak use.
Circulate Vents and Registers
Take a tour of your home and make sure all vents and registers are free and clear. Move any furniture or obstacle that is obstructing circulation.
Thermostat Settings
Confirm your thermostat is set to a sensible degree. Set the fan to “Auto” (not “On”). This way, the blower will only be on when the air conditioning is on and for freezing protection.
Inspect The Drain
Find the drain pan under your indoor unit. If it holds water, you could have a clog in the drain line. So, before we have to call, we will try to vacuum out some of what is causing your backups with a wet/dry vacuum. But when the problem persists again, it is best to seek help from a professional.
Outsource To Pros At Service Minds One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating
If nothing works after following those steps, call Service Minds One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating. We can also do some more professional AC repairs, like fixing leaks or more complex fan diagnoses. Here are some common AC problems and tips from our professionals when you have an AC unit break down.
Future Prevention Of Freezing Up
Regular Maintenance
Just as you would not neglect to get an oil change for your car, you should not neglect to maintain your air conditioner. Make regular maintenance appointments with us to ensure your apparatus functions properly. We will clean your coils, check your refrigerant levels, and address any potential problem areas your unit may be dealing with.
Keep an Eye on the Thermostat
Monitor your thermostat settings. Never lower than this and never on Auto. After that, think about purchasing a programmable thermostat to help take the strain off of your AC system and make temperature control simpler.
Do Regular Filter Replacement
A simple way to prevent a freeze is to replace your air filter. Plan to inspect them monthly, especially in the summer when your air conditioning runs every day.
Clear Vents and Registers
Make sure all vents and registers are open and clean. Make sure no furniture or items are blocking the airflow at all times.
Be Cognizant of the Outdoor
Avoid using your air conditioner when it is already very cold. Run exhaust fans, especially when it is cooler outside than inside, to cool your rooms down.