One of the popular questions homeowners ask an HVAC Contractor In San Diego California | HVAC King is why their air conditioner keeps freezing. Well, there are many factors responsible for this issue. These factors have been better explained below:
Inadequate Airflow
This is a major reason for an air conditioner freezing up. If your AC has damaged air ducts, the warm air within your home will find it difficult to flow over the evaporator coils, causing condensation. As the compressor keeps running, the condensation will turn into ice.
A Dirty or Damaged Air Filter
Experts advise that you change your air filters every one to three months. If you refuse to clean or replace your air filter, it could turn dirty or clogged and foster inadequate airflow. When the evaporator coil doesn’t get enough air, ice can form on it. So, replacing your air filter helps to prevent your AC components from freezing and also improves your air quality.
Low Refrigerant Level
The Refrigerant is a special cold liquid that cools the outside air before it is allowed to enter the home. When the refrigerant level is low, it can cause ice buildup in the system.
Typically, a low refrigerant level problem is usually as a result of a leak in the evaporator coil, refrigerant lines, or compressor. So these need to be checked and fixed on time.
Bad Blower Fan
A faulty blower fan can also lead to inadequate airflow and make the coil freeze up. It can also cause issues in other aspects of your HVAC system. If you think your blower fan isn’t working properly, you should contact a skilled HVAC system to come to inspect it.
Clogged Condensate Drain Line
If your condensate drain line is clogged, the drip tray may start overflowing with excess water. If the system’s evaporator coil is operating at an extremely low temperature, this excess water will start to freeze. You need to call in an HVAC technician to help clear the condensate drain line to fix this issue.
How Can You Unfreeze Your AC Conditioning Unit?
There are a few troubleshooting steps that can help you discover potential issues. These steps can also serve as a form of maintenance procedure for your AC. They include:
Check Your Air Filter
You need to check to confirm if your air filter is functioning properly. Since dirty or clogged filters affect airflow, it could be the reason for the ICE buildup in your HVAC system.
Check Out Refrigerant Leaks
Detecting and fixing AC leaks needs the expertise of an HVAC technician. If you suspect a refrigerant leak in your AC unit, you should contact one.
Check Blower Fan
During your inspection, look out for unusual noises or broken fan components while the unit is operating. It would be best if you also tried to check the fan’s rotation speed, power, and the motor’s general condition. For a more detailed inspection, call an HVAC technician.
Check Your Vents
When two or more of your supply vents are being closed, or it’s obstructed by furniture or other things, it can make the AC unit freeze up. So, you need to check for obstructions near the ventilation area.
Check Drain Lines
As the AC unit releases moisture or air, it has to go elsewhere. Ensure you check the drip tray and drain line for any blockade sign that can make your evaporator coil freeze. It’s possible to fix some blockage issues on your own, but most will need the expertise of an HVAC technician.
Can A Frozen AC Unit Problem Resolve Itself?
In most cases, a frozen AC unit doesn’t fix itself. After checking for blockages, the next crucial step is to shut off the unit to defrost it. The thawing procedure could last for one to three hours. Once the system is thawed, operate the fan for close to one hour. Thereafter, change your air filter.
After being thawed, your AC unit should be prepared to operate normally. Still, you have to keep observing it for any additional issues as it operates. You should also make sure it’s not running if your outdoor temperatures drop below 60 degrees.
What To Do When the Problem Persists?
Cool weather can mess with your AC unit since it’s been designed to work best within a certain temperature range. You can handle this by monitoring how your AC system handles extreme temperatures. But if you think it’s due to coolant leaks or a bad blower fan motor, the ideal thing to do is seek professional help.
In summary, a freezing air conditioner isn’t something you should handle with levity. It could be an indication of other severe issues with your HVAC system. So always pay serious attention to it. You should conduct an inspection immediately and call an HVAC technician to help address the issue if it doesn’t stop after following the tips above.
