In Florida, your air conditioning system is your most important home appliance. Its gentle hum in the background provides reassurance, along with the refreshing feel of cool air flowing from your air vents and throughout your home. However, a frozen AC unit can quickly put a damper on your indoor comfort, especially during the heat of summer. Why is your air conditioner freezing? There could be several reasons behind an AC unit freezing up and leaving you uncomfortable at home.
Downtown Air and Heat is a full-service HVAC company serving Orlando and the surrounding areas through AC repair, including emergency repairs, AC maintenance, HVAC installation, and indoor air quality services. In this blog post, we explain what causes an air conditioner to freeze as well as how to get it back up and running again.
What Causes AC to Freeze Up?
Your HVAC system is composed of many working parts, and a variety of them could be impacted, leading to a frozen AC. Here is a look at what commonly causes air conditioner freezing:
Dirty Air Filter Blocking Air Flow to the Air Conditioner
One of the most common causes of AC unit freezing is a dirty air filter. Dirty filters restrict the flow of air, and the more time that goes by without changing your air filter, the harder your air conditioning system has to work to keep your home at a pleasant temperature. Neglecting to change your air filter every three months or as recommended by the air conditioning unit manufacturer will cause ice to form on the evaporator coil.
When the evaporator coil is covered with a layer of ice, it prevents proper heat exchange. In the beginning, it will reduce its cooling efficiency, and eventually, your air conditioner will stop working. Prevention is the key to preventing inadequate airflow of your filters, and it helps to put a reminder in your calendar to ensure you never forget to replace them on time.
Low Refrigerant Levels in Your Air Conditioning System
If the evaporator coil isn’t covered with ice due to insufficient airflow, you may have an issue with low refrigerant levels or a refrigerant leak. When your AC system has low refrigerant, the pressure drops in the refrigerant lines, making your air conditioner unable to keep you cool. Is your AC freezing because of low levels of refrigerant? You will need a professional to check for a leak and inspect the evaporator coil, along with other parts, to get it working right again.
If your air conditioner is an older model, and your air conditioner malfunctions often, it may be time to replace it. Older models typically use the phased-out R-22 refrigerant, and if you replace the whole system, you won’t have these worries anymore.
Faulty Blower Fan
A faulty or damaged blower fan could cause improper airflow, leading to the evaporator coil freezing. This integral part of your AC unit can cause massive problems for your entire heating and cooling system. A professional HVAC technician can come to check the indoor unit for this issue and will also inspect the outdoor unit to ensure that your AC unit is restored to proper working order.
AC Freezing Due to a Clogged Condensate Drain Line
Your AC unit works by transferring heat from the interior of your home to the outside. There will be moisture from this warm air, which creates condensation. When working properly, your AC unit will drain that condensation out through the condensate drain line. If a clog develops in the condensate drain line, the drip tray may begin to overflow with excess water. This will then cause the evaporator coil to freeze if it becomes too cold.
Your Air Conditioning Unit Doesn’t Have Proper Airflow
An AC freezing may indicate poor airflow, which could be from an air duct that blocks proper airflow. Blockages or leaks in the air ducts can be a huge problem for the entire system. It is vital to get it fixed right away to avoid having your AC freeze up.
What to Do If You Have a Frozen Air Conditioner
If your AC unit isn’t working by just blowing warm air or it’s simply not turning on at all, the first thing you will want to check is your air filter. Replace it promptly, and you may find that it was the reason why it wasn’t functioning properly.
However, in most cases, you will need a thorough inspection from an HVAC professional to determine the cause. You may see ice forming on parts of your air conditioning system. Whether you can see the issue or not, don’t wait to call for help for your cooling system. The sooner you call an HVAC professional, the sooner you can get back to enjoying cool air in your home.
The Importance of Timely AC Maintenance for Your Home
Your AC needs to be maintained by someone who has the right certifications and training to keep this equipment in tip-top condition. When you schedule preventative maintenance, an HVAC technician will come to clean your drain line, check the blower fan, refrigerant levels, condenser unit, and every working part in the inside and outside unit.
Arranging for this service each year will prevent the need for costly repairs and the discomfort of being deprived of cold air. While there are certain things you can do to care for your AC, like changing the filter, you always need a professional for proper AC maintenance and repairs.
Neglecting to care for this equipment can cause wear and tear and significantly limit its lifespan. In order to be sure the air cools to your desired temperature and prevent frozen coils on a blistering hot Central Florida day, contact Downtown Air and Heat. If you’re reading this because your AC isn’t working, call us now to get prompt AC repair service to restore your comfort fast!
