Is Your AC Freezing Up? Tips, Prevention, And Repair
Ice buildup on your air conditioner is a dreaded sight in the middle of the hot season. Unfortunately, many homeowners aren't familiar with the causes and solutions for frozen air conditioners. Here's what you should know about preventing and repairing a central air conditioner that freezes up.
What Causes Your AC to Freeze Up?
Ice typically forms on the parts of your air conditioner that reach the lowest temperatures, such as the evaporator coils and refrigerant lines. Freezing happens when these components reach extremely low temperatures that they weren't designed for. Condensation from the air freezes as it comes in contact with these components.
A few different problems can cause freezing by throwing off the temperature balance of your air conditioner's refrigerant loop. A dirty air filter or blocked condenser can restrict airflow and prevent the coils from absorbing enough heat to prevent freezing. Low refrigerant may overexpand inside your coils and cause their temperature to plummet. Sometimes, it takes a professional inspection from an HVAC contractor to determine the cause.
How Can You Prevent Your AC From Freezing Up?
Airflow is the homeowner's most important concern when it comes to preventing AC freezing. Clean or replace your HVAC air filter frequently to avoid airflow blockages that could cause your coils to freeze. Trim shrubs and greenery away from your outdoor condenser when needed, and make sure all your vent registers are open and unobstructed.
Regular AC inspections help you avoid issues with low refrigerant that could cause freezing. During each inspection, your technician will test your refrigerant levels and recharge your AC if necessary. Exposure to central AC refrigerant can be toxic, so its handling should always be left to a trained professional.
How Do You Repair a Frozen Air Conditioner?
The most important thing to do when you realize your AC has frozen up is to stop using it immediately. Continuing to run a frozen air conditioner won't cool your home effectively and may cause permanent damage to the unit. Running your HVAC system in fan-only mode will usually thaw the air conditioner in a matter of hours.
While you're waiting for your air conditioner to thaw, you should try to identify any sources of blocked airflow in your system. Check your air filter, condenser, and vent registers. In some cases, a professional duct inspection is recommended to rule out blockages or crimped ducts that could be constricting airflow.
If your air conditioner continues to freeze up once you start using it again, get in touch with an HVAC contractor to check your system's refrigerant. With these steps, you can minimize freezing problems in your central air conditioner and resolve them quickly when they occur!
Contact a company like Wyoming Air for more information.