During the hot summer months, you want your air conditioner to be at its best, giving you comfortable temperatures at home 24/7. But sometimes, the reality isn’t the same as expectations. One of the most common problems homeowners like you encounter is a freezing AC. But what causes this problem and what can you do to fix it? In this article, we’re going to give you just that.
Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning is your premier HVAC company in Shakopee MN. We have teams of seasoned and knowledgeable professional AC technicians who can help you restore the efficiency of your air conditioner.
Here are some of the usual reasons for a freezing AC and what you can do to get rid of the problem.
Restricted Airflow
Your air conditioner can freeze up if it is suffering from insufficient airflow. Operating your system with dirty components suffocates the unit and causes the coils to drop below freezing. The humidity in the air also contributes to the problem as it collects on the coils, making an even greater ice buildup on your AC.
Keep in mind that the dirtier the filter gets, the more it compromises your system’s airflow. When a dirty filter restricts airflow, there’s an inadequate amount of air passing through the system to transfer heat from your home to the refrigerant. This makes the refrigerant colder than it should, leading to an ice buildup on the coils.
If a clogged filter is the only source of ice buildup on the system, replacing it should solve the problem. Refer to your user’s manual to determine if you have a replaceable or a reusable filter.
Also, check the points at which the airflow may be damaged — registers, duct connectors, or the ductwork itself. If the ductwork is excessively dirty, it can block the airflow to the unit. In this case, you may need to call your preferred HVAC company to further inspect your ductwork and make the necessary adjustments. Cleaning of the ducts may also be required to clear the blockage from the system.
Low Refrigerant
Another reason for your cooling system to freeze up is insufficient refrigerant level. Leakage can happen when the refrigerant line has damage, causing a decrease in the saturation point temperature of the system. When this occurs, you need to set the thermostat to a much lower temperature for the remaining refrigerant to become vapor in the evaporator. As a result, the AC will cause moisture buildup from the air, which becomes ice on the evaporator when the temperature goes below 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
Now, the moisture that is supposed to be cooled to a level that turns into water and drips to the condensate drain is trapped on the evaporator coils, causing the formation of ice.
A temporary fix would be turning the AC off and waiting for the ice to melt, which can take a few hours. To speed up the thawing of ice, you can turn the unit on and set it to FAN mode. When this happens, only the fan is running; the compressor is turned off.
The permanent fix for this problem is to have an AC expert spot the leak, seal it off, and recharge the refrigerant to the correct level.
Low Outside Temperature
When the temperature outside is lower than the temperature inside, your AC unit may also form ice. Same as the previous steps, you can eliminate the ice by turning the system off or using the FAN mode. Since the outdoor temp is cold enough, you can simply turn the unit off and use the outside air to cool your home. Not only will you rid yourself of a freezing AC, but buy you will also save money in the process.
Need Help with Your Frozen AC? Call Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning
Here’s the most effective way for you to avoid frozen AC coils: regular professional maintenance. A qualified technician understands your cooling system from the inside out. During a preventive maintenance session, the technician will give your AC a thorough cleaning, check for leaks, make sure it has the right refrigerant levels, and guarantee the motors are properly lubricated. This process will ensure your air conditioner stays in great shape.
If you want your cooling system to be as efficient as possible, call give us a call. As your trusted Burnsville AC repair and maintenance company, we’ll make sure your AC works as good as new.