Frozen AC Unit Causes and Fixes
It’s summertime, and you want your AC unit to work properly. However, sometimes your AC unit can freeze up. Having an air conditioner that is too cold might seem counterintuitive, but it can happen. But before we know how to deal with a frozen AC unit, let’s first talk about why it happens.
Low Refrigerant
Have you ever wondered why your air conditioner freezes when it’s low on refrigerant? Well, it all has to do with the laws of thermodynamics.
When the AC unit is low on refrigerant, it can’t remove heat from the air as effectively. As a result, the evaporator coils start to ice over. This ice then starts to block airflow, making the unit work harder to remove heat.
Eventually, the coils will be completely frozen, and the air conditioner will stop working. If you notice that your AC unit is running less efficiently or that it’s starting to ice over, check the refrigerant level. Chances are, it’s low and needs to be refilled.
Dirty Air Filter
One of the most critical components of an AC unit is the air filter. The air filter catches dirt, dust, and other airborne particles, preventing them from entering the AC unit and clogging up the works.
However, if the air filter becomes too dirty, it can cause the AC unit to freeze. A dirty air filter restricts airflow, causing the AC unit to work harder to circulate air. As a result, the AC unit becomes overloaded and ices up.
If your AC unit isn’t working as well as it should be, check the air filter. A simple cleaning may be all that’s needed to get your AC unit back up and running smoothly.
Thermostat Issues
The thermostat is responsible for regulating the temperature in your home. If the thermostat is set too low, it can cause the AC unit to freeze. The AC unit will run continuously to reach the desired temperature.
As a result, the evaporator coils will become extremely cold and can start to ice over. If you think the thermostat might be to blame, check the settings, and ensure it’s set to the correct temperature.
Regular Servicing By a Pro
As any HVAC technician will tell you, a frozen AC unit is a serious problem. If the coils inside your AC unit freeze, it can cause the unit to stop working altogether. In some cases, it can even lead to permanent damage.
How can you prevent your AC unit from freezing? The answer is regular servicing by a pro. By having your AC unit serviced regularly, you can ensure that it stays in good working condition.
Servicing includes cleaning the coils and checking for any damage. It also includes making sure that the Freon levels are correct. If they’re too low, they can cause the coils to freeze.
Mike Bryant Heating & Cooling is a leading AC repair, maintenance, and installation service provider in Olathe, KS. Our team of certified HVAC technicians will help you deal with a frozen AC unit and prevent it from happening again.
Turn Off the AC Unit
If you notice that your AC unit is starting to freeze up, you should first turn it off. This will prevent the coils from getting any colder and potentially causing damage.
Once you’ve turned off the AC unit, call a professional for help. Trying to fix the problem yourself could worsen and lead to costly repairs.
Check the Air Filter
As we mentioned earlier, a dirty air filter can cause the AC unit to freeze. So, if your AC unit isn’t working as well as it should be, check the air filter. A simple cleaning may be all needed to get your AC unit back up and running smoothly.
If you don’t know how to clean the air filter, or if it seems excessively dirty, you can always replace it with a new one. Just be sure to buy the right size so it fits appropriately in your AC unit.
Rely on the Pros
A frozen AC unit is a serious problem that should be dealt with immediately. If you notice your AC unit freeze, get in touch with the pros in your area. In Olathe, KS, Mike Bryant Heating & Cooling will help you with your air conditioner in addition to a wide range of services such as geothermal heating, indoor air quality service, sheet metal fabrication, boiler repairs, and more.
Our team of licensed and trained contractors has been serving the community since 2004. When you need reliable services, make sure to give Mike Bryant Heating & Cooling a call.
