When it gets hot outside, we all love having our AC running. But sometimes, even with the fan going full blast, our AC freezes and just won’t work. This can happen due to dirty air filters, low refrigerant levels, and poor airflow.
AC systems need to be maintained properly to keep them running smoothly. So If you want to save yourself hundreds of dollars on ac repairs each year, you need to follow this guide on how to stop your air conditioner from freezing up.
Eight Tips to Prevent your AC from Freezing up
If you’re asking yourself, “how do I keep my air conditioner from freezing up”, consider the following tips to ensure you can stop it from happening.
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Check for Refrigerant Leaks
The first thing that needs to be checked when the air conditioner temperature starts to dip is whether there are any leaks in the system. When the refrigerant level drops too low, the compressor will stop working properly, leading to frost buildup and eventually resulting in a frozen system.
It’s important to check for leaks around the unit because if you find any, you’ll need to fix them before they become a bigger problem. Look for damages across the refrigerant lines or other components, such as the compressor or evaporator coils, to check for leaks.
However, If you live in Spokane, WA, and surrounding areas, and you’re unsure about what’s causing the issue, have a Hurliman HVAC technician come to track the cause of leaks and bring your refrigerant levels and bring the level back up.
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Clean out and Change Your Air Filter
A dirty air filter is one of the most common causes of an air conditioner freezing up. Dirt clogs up the filters, causing them to become too small to allow proper airflow into the unit. This leads to overheating. When this happens, the compressor will kick into high gear, trying to cool down the room, causing the fan blades to spin faster and faster until they eventually break off.
When looking in on how to stop ACs from freezing, regularly clean out your dirty air filter. This can be done using a vacuum cleaner or simply running a hose through your vents. If you don’t see any signs of dirt, then it’s probably time to replace the air filter.
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Make sure Your Blower Fan is Working Properly
Blowers are usually located near the front of the unit. They blow warm air into the evaporator coil, which cools down before being blown back into the room.
However, if your blower isn’t blowing enough air, then the coils won’t be cooled off quickly enough, and they’ll freeze.
To test whether your blower is working properly, turn it on and check the temperature gauge. If it’s below 60 degrees F (15 C), then you probably need to replace the blower motor. You can find replacement motors at most hardware stores.
If the blower seems to work fine, but the temperature still doesn’t drop as much as you’d like, there could be a problem with the thermostat or its wiring. Check all connections for loose wires and bad contacts to stop ac from freezing.
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Check the Thermostat Setting
An air conditioning system that runs more than necessary can indicate a faulty thermostat and lead to your ac unit freezing. When it comes to the thermostat, you want to set it so that the room stays cool when you’re home but warms up quickly when you leave.
You should always check if the thermostat is set correctly to keep your air conditioning unit from freezing up. If your thermostat isn’t working properly, it may be time to call an HVAC professional.
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Check Your Condensate Drain Line
Homeowners often overlook condensation drains. They’re usually hidden behind walls, or under floors, so they’re easy to miss. However, if you notice excess water in the condensate drip tray, that means your system has become clogged.
Check your drain line. The excess moisture puts your evaporator coil at risk of getting frozen. Call an HVAC system maintenance expert immediately if you find any clogs or blockages. You can also use a vacuum with strong suction power to dislodge the dirt causing the clogging.
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Inspect the Condenser Coil
Condensers are coils that transfer heat from the outside air into the refrigerant. A leaky condenser coil could cause the air conditioner to overheat and result in a frozen air conditioner. To find out if there is a leak, turn the air conditioner on and listen carefully. If you hear a hissing sound, then there is a leak somewhere.
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Make sure that all Vents are clear and free of Debris
Dust can build up inside your home’s ductwork, causing clogs and blockages that can lead to serious problems such as a frozen ac unit.
To avoid this issue, check your vents every month to ensure they’re completely clear and do not restrict airflow. Look into the vent for any cracks or crevices where dirt could accumulate. If you find anything, contact a professional air conditioning service.
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Clean the Evaporator Coil
Evaporators are located inside the unit, and they’re responsible for cooling the air. They do so by transferring heat energy from the air into water, which flows through the coils and cools down.
However, if the evaporator becomes clogged with dust, dirt, or debris, it can cause the system to freeze up. To avoid a frozen HVAC system, you should clean the evaporator coils at least once every six months.
Keeping your Air Conditioner System well Maintained
The best way to keep your air conditioner from freezing up and running at full capacity is to have it properly maintained and serviced by a qualified HVAC technician.
If you’re having trouble with your air conditioning unit, contact a professional HVAC technician in your area to get some advice on how to fix it. It may be as simple as replacing an old part, fixing a leaky duct, or setting the thermostat correctly.
Air Conditioning Maintenance Services In Spokane, WA
If you’re still wondering “how can I keep my air conditioner from freezing up”, let us help! Our certified and insured HVAC experts team offers top-quality maintenance services for residential and commercial customers.
We offer complete solutions for all types of air conditioning systems, including split systems, central air conditioning units, heat pumps, packaged rooftop units, and ductless and HVAC systems. Contact us right away if you need more guidance on keeping your air conditioner from freezing up.
