In the summer months, it is not an unusual occurrence to witness a chunk of ice sitting on your AC system. Although air conditioning units freezing up is a common problem it can be a frustrating and uncomfortable situation for homeowners, particularly during hot weather.
Ignoring the problem can cause significant damage to your air conditioning unit and lead to expensive repairs. So, if you are wondering what to do when your AC unit freezes up, there are some steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue and get your AC unit running smoothly again.
What Causes an AC Unit to Freeze Up?
Air conditioners freeze when there’s a defect that disrupts the functioning of the evaporator coil. This causes the refrigerant to cool too much and consequently, it falls below freezing point. For this reason, frozen AC coils indicate a problem with your AC’s health. Understanding what causes a commercial HVAC air conditioning unit to freeze up can help you diagnose and fix the underlying problem. Two main causes can lead to an AC freeze-up:
Blocked Airflow
Air conditioners require a constant flow of air to prevent humidity from settling on the coils and freezing up. Clogged or dirty air filters could disrupt the airflow, causing your systems to freeze up. That’s why it’s important to change your system’s filters every one to three months.
Mechanical problems or refrigerant leaks
An air conditioner is a machine that comprises parts that can shut down or get stuck with continuous use. Fans can stop moving, filters can become clogged, and leaks can happen. If any of these disruptions occur, they cause a pressure drop. The refrigerant would then expand too much and become extremely cold. Similarly, a leak can also occur which can result in low refrigerant levels.
Related: Health Dangers That AC Refrigerant Leaks Can Cause
What to do when your AC Unit Freezes Up – Inside and Outside
If you find that your AC unit has frozen up, here are some steps you can follow to troubleshoot the issue and get it running smoothly again.
Turn Off the AC
Switch off the air conditioning unit immediately. This will prevent further damage and allow the ice to melt.
Turn On the Fan
Keep the fan running even after turning off the cooling function. This helps in speeding up the thawing process.
Check the Air Filter
A dirty or clogged air filter can restrict airflow, leading to freezing. Replace or clean the air filter if it’s dirty.
Inspect the Coils
Examine the evaporator and condenser coils for dirt or debris. Clean the coils using a coil cleaner if necessary.
Clear Obstructions
Ensure that there are no obstructions around the air intake and output vents. Proper airflow is crucial for preventing freezing.
Check Refrigerant Levels
Low refrigerant levels can lead to freezing. Consult a professional to inspect and recharge the refrigerant if needed.
Inspect the Thermostat Settings
Make sure the thermostat is set to the correct temperature. Setting it too low can cause the coils to freeze.
Allow Thawing
Let the AC unit thaw completely before attempting to restart it. This may take a few hours, so be patient.
Restart the System
After the unit has thawed, turn on the AC again. Monitor it closely to ensure it is functioning properly.
Steps to Take to Keep Your AC from Freezing
Seeing your air conditioner enveloped in ice can be an alarming sight. Fortunately, one can prevent this from ever happening. Preventing an AC unit from freezing up in the first place involves regular maintenance. Here are some maintenance tips to keep your AC unit running smoothly and prevent it from freezing up:
Change the air filter regularly
A dirty or clogged air filter can restrict airflow and cause the evaporator coil to freeze up. Check your air filter every month and replace it if it’s dirty or clogged.
Check the refrigerant level regularly
The refrigerant cools the air in your AC unit. If the refrigerant level is low, it can cause the evaporator coil to freeze up. Schedule regular maintenance with a licensed HVAC technician to check the refrigerant level and recharge it if necessary.
Keep the outdoor unit clean
The outdoor unit of your AC unit can become dirty and clogged with debris, which can reduce airflow. It can also cause the evaporator coil to freeze up. Keep the outdoor unit clean by removing any debris and trimming back any vegetation.
Schedule Professional Maintenance
If you wish your AC unit to serve you without any interruption throughout the year, Schedule professional maintenance for your commercial HVAC air conditioning unit at least once a year. A licensed AC repair service provider can inspect your AC unit, clean its components, and identify any potential problems before they become more serious.
Regular servicing ensures your system is functioning at optimal capacity. This provides faster and more efficient cooling. It also reduces the burden on your AC and optimizes your electricity consumption. Moreover, small problems can be identified and rectified early. A qualified and licensed HVAC contractor is also trained to check for refrigerant leaks. Low levels of refrigerant are a surprisingly common culprit of frozen AC coils.
Common FAQs About AC Unit Freezing Up
Why AC Unit Freezes Up?
An AC unit can freeze up due to several reasons: inadequate airflow caused by dirty filters or blocked vents, low refrigerant levels, malfunctioning fans, or a faulty thermostat. When the airflow is restricted or the refrigerant levels are insufficient, the evaporator coils can get too cold, causing condensation to freeze on them, leading to the AC unit’s freezing up.
What does it mean when your AC unit freezes up?
When an AC unit freezes up, it indicates that the evaporator coils inside the unit have become too cold, causing the moisture in the air to freeze on the coils. This impedes proper functioning, reducing airflow and potentially damaging the system if not addressed promptly.
When AC Unit Freezes Up?
An AC unit freezes up when the evaporator coils inside the system become excessively cold, causing moisture in the air to condense and freeze on the coils. This usually happens due to restricted airflow, low refrigerant levels, or issues with the system’s components, hindering its proper operation.
What Happens When Your AC Unit Freezes Up?
When an AC unit freezes up, it restricts proper airflow and cooling. Ice formation on the evaporator coils hampers heat exchange, reducing the system’s efficiency. Prolonged freezing can lead to system malfunctions, potential water damage, and the risk of compressor damage if not promptly addressed by thawing and resolving the root cause.
